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A ■ 

DADD'S 

THEORY AND PRACTICE 

VETERINARY 

MEDICINE AND SURGERY, 

CONTAINING* 

THE CURATIVE TREATMENT OF DISEASES OF 

HORSES AND CATTLE, 

SHEEP AND SWINE, 

AND EMBRACING ALL THE LATEST INFORMATION ON THE 
RINDERPEST AND TRICHINA 



By GEOKGE H. DADD, Veterinary Surgeon, 
i* * 

Author of "Anatomy and Physiology of the Horse," " Modern Horse Doctor," " Cattle 

Doctor," etc., Professor of Anatomy and Physiology in 

the Veterinary Institute of Chicago. 



ELEGANTLY ILLUSTRATED. 

/ 



W 




CINCINNATI: 
R. "W. CARROLL & CO., PUBLISHERS, 

117 WEST FOURTH STREET. 
1867. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1867, by 
R. W. CARROLL & CO., 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern 

District of Ohio. 






PREFACE. 



AMERICANS rank high in the estimation of the scientific 
world for their genius and industry in the great work of 
intellectual, moral, and scientific improvements. See what has 
occurred in the arts of printing, electrotyping, etc. The eloquence 
of the great literary magicians of the New World, the honored 
graduates of free institutions and free schools, no sooner falls from 
their lips than the phonographist transfers it to paper, the nimble 
fingers of the compositor puts it into " form ; " next the " battery " 
deposits on the face of the type a more durable coating of copper, 
and " Hoe's press " sends off " impressions " with almost magical 
rapidity." No less surprising are the wonderful feats performed 
by American mechanics, in the construction of fast yachts and 
steamers, which often pluck a laurel from the so-called " Mistress 
of the Sea ;" and old "Uncle John" gives us due credit for per- 
fecting a race of fast trotters that can beat the world of horse- 
flesh. 

Improvements in every department of Science and Art are con- 
stantly treading on the heels of improvement ; yet, as regards the 
science of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, America seems almost 
the last among civilized nations to put her shoulder to the wheel. 
What can be the reason? Her youth may be offered as a plea 
for excuses. The daughter of the Old World has not yet, in this 
department, arrived at years of discretion ; she is yet in her teens. 
Her sons have borne the heat and burden of the day in establish- 
ing their liberty, in founding cities, extending commerce, and in 
taming the wild face of soil, by uprooting the giant oak, and in 
clearing away the forest, so that the husbandman, with plow and 
harrow in hand, might follow on, and next impregnate mother 

(iii) 



IV PREFACE. 

earth with germs for fructification, which, in the day of the har- 
vest thereof, might be gathered and garnered for the benefit of 
man and the inferior orders of creation. 

And long ere the woodman's ax ceases to vibrate its clear 
stroke-notes in the ears of the new settlers, a giant enterprise is 
in contemplation. Space and distance must be comparatively an- 
nihilated ; the iron horse, with his lungs of steel and breath of 
steam, must have his highway and byway, and the result is, the 
choice spirits of progression have been earnestly engaged in dot- 
ting a vast surface of United States Territory with a magnificent 
net-work of railway and telegraphic wire ; and various other en- 
terprises, with which the reader is familiar, have so occupied the 
American mind, that the Science of Life, as it applies to animals, 
has been almost at a stand-still. 

In the prosecution of these objects, so essential as they have 
proved in the economy of an infant republic, it is not surpris- 
ing that our science should fail to receive attention, and that 
America should be in the rear of the veterinary squadrons of 
the Old World; yet, notwithstanding this seeming indifference, 
veterinary science does, in some parts of this country, occupy as 
high a platform as that which obtained in England, about seventy 
years ago, when the Apostle of Mercy, St. Bel, first landed on 
British soil. 

The science which we here advocate is as valuable and chari- 
table to nature's menials, for the purpose of ministering to their 
physical wants, relieving their aches and pains, and of prolong- 
ing their lives, as that practiced on the more noble of created life ; 
and, at the present day, testimony can be produced going to show 
that among us can be found " good Samaritans " who are always 
ready to minister to the wants of the inferior orders of creation — 
a work as acceptable to the God of Nature, and as creditable to 
manhood, as when the welfare of one of us is concerned. And 
should we estimate the science in exact ratio to the value and use- 
fulness of the legion host of domestic animals that have been 
reared in this couhtry, and those which, without regard to cost, 
have been imported, to whose welfare it directly contributes, the 
reader will readily perceive that it is entitled to the consideration 
and support of a nation of husbandmen. 

It must be borne in mind that a knowledge of the principles 
of veterinary medicine can not be acquired without diligent study 



PREFACE. V 

and close application. It is only the property of the industrious 
and devoted student. 

In order to acquire the necessary tact, skill, and experience for 
the practice of our art, some of the shining lights — the early dis- 
ciples — have spent the May-day of their existence in solving its 
problems, and, when near its close, have declared, with a modesty 
indicative of true genius, that their education was yet incomplete. 

Such testimony goes to show that there is no republican nor 
royal road to veterinary knowledge. In fact, after a man has 
perseveringly pursued the routine studies of the most popular col- 
legiate institutions, he may still be found " wanting." 

Let us contemplate for a moment the superior advantages which 
human practitioners have over our craftsmen, both as regards 
their scientific qualifications and the superior means at their com- 
mand for ascertaining the character, location, and intensity of the 
various maladies peculiar to the human race. For example, the 
practitioner of human medicine, if he has been a faithful and in- 
dustrious student, enters upon the active duties of his profession, 
having acquired a valuable fund of knowledge of anatomy, phys- 
iology, pathology, and other necessary branches of study ; and, 
having disciplined his mind in the regular school, and in that of 
experience, he is expected to be able to rejoice in the possession of 
a well-trained mind, which enables him to understand and inter- 
pret the physiological laws which preserve health and life in the 
constitution of organized beings ; also to comprehend the why and 
wherefore of disease; to be able to institute sanitary and other reg- 
ulations, and to select suitable medicinal preparations, in view of 
meeting the various indications of each and every form of disease. 
And when a man becomes the subject of sickness, and the doctor 
is called upon to exercise his skill, the latter receives valuable aid, 
in view of making a correct diagnosis, from the patient and his 
friends. Each can be questioned, and their responses throw con- 
siderable light on the history and nature of the malady. Now, 
as regards the latter advantages, they have no parallel with the 
men of our craft. Our patients are deprived of the power of 
speech, and we can only judge of the state of their health, and 
the nature of their maladies, by signs revealed or elicited through 
physical exploration. We have other difficulties to encounter of 
no less magnitude. For example, our patients are often located 
in situations unfit for a well animal to reside in, and they do not 



VI PREFACE. 

always receive that attention from their owners which the urgency 
of the case demands. In fact, the good nursing, kind attention, 
etc., which often proves of so much value in the restoration from 
sickness of one of our race, is often denied the inferior creature ; 
and other matters, too numerous to mention at the present time, 
tend to show the advantages which our brethren of a sister science 
have over us, and how necessary and important it is that a prac- 
titioner of our art should be thorough master of his profession. 
It is a lamentable fact that the great majority of our husband- 
men have not hitherto realized that the superstructure of veterin- 
ary science rests on the same intelligent basis as that of human 
medicine ; but such is really the case. In the language of the la- 
mented Percivall, we are assured that " whether w T e prescribe for 
a man, horse, or any animal, the laws of the animal economy are 
the same; all require the same treatment," that is to say, the 
propositions for restoration are all founded on the same intelligent 
basis. 

The importance, therefore, of educating men for the profession, 
and of furnishing reliable works for study, is very evident; and 
the necessity is further illustrated in the daily experience of those 
persons who, as a matter of necessity, are obliged to do the best 
they can for the sick and dying of their flocks and herds, having 
no knowledge of those advantages which a thorough course of 
training affords. Such persons must, necessarily, feel that they are 
groping in darkness, and when a ray of light does flit across their 
medical path, it only serves to make them better acquainted with 
their own want of skill. Persons thus circumstanced, unable to 
procure the services of a good veterinary surgeon, in consequence 
of a scarcity of the " genuine material," are often compelled to 
assume the responsibility and risk of medical attendant ; and, no 
doubt, they prescribe with good intention and honesty of purpose, 
but disease and death has the vantage of them, for they know not 
the modes of pathological warfare, nor are they acquainted with 
means best calculated to insure a favorable issue; and they will 
certainly hail, as a great blessing, any and every effort to im- 
prove our veterinary literature, and thus diffuse knowledge so 
sadly needed. 

It is well known that prior to the introduction of a rational 
system of veterinary medicine in the mother country, millions of 
domestic animals were annually sacrificed at the shrine of igno- 



PREFACE. Vll 

ranee ; but science came to the rescue, and now some of the dis- 
ciples of St. Bel, Coleman, their co-workers and kindred spirits, 
can, by the aid of their vast materia medica, their anaesthetic 
agents, scalpel, etc., accomplish unheard of wonders. We are 
now working to dispel the awful cloud of ignorance and super- 
stition which has too long lingered around the stable and barn. 
"We aim to illuminate the dark spots that have existed for many- 
hundreds of years, and to obliterate the false theories that have 
been handed down to us by the Egyptians and Arabians, and the 
modern jugglers of this science. 

There never was a period in the history of the United States 
when the services of educated veterinarians were so much needed 
as at the present time ; for the live stock of this country do not 
enjoy immunity from those pestiferous epizootic maladies which 
have formerly operated as a withering simoom on the enterprise 
of British husbandmen in the breeding and raising of live stock. 
For example : the people of the Western States complain that a 
disease occasionally makes its appearance among cattle, to which 
they have applied the name of " trembles," or " milk sickness," 
and it has so scourged both the superior and inferior orders of 
creation, that the former have often abandoned the old homestead, 
in view of seeking a location where there seemed to be some pros- 
pect of enjoying immunity from the pestilential scourge. A con- 
tagious and infectious disease often prevails among swine, carry- 
ing them off by hundreds and by thousands, yet many of us are in 
the dark regarding its cause, nature, and treatment. Typhoid 
affections, puerperal fever, apoplexy, and dropsy of the brain are 
just as prevalent here as in England. Miscarriage or abortion is 
fearfully on the increase. Diseases of climatic origin are more 
rife in this country than in England. This is, perhaps, owing to 
the diversity which exists in the climatic temperature of our vast 
territory, and to our various faulty modes of management. In fact, 
there is scarcely any disease known to veterinarians of the Old 
World but that has prevailed in the New. 

We must have reliable text-books and educated surgeons, in 
order to understand the nature and treatment of the diseases in- 
cidental to domestic animals. It is not only a matter of national, 
but of individual, policy and interest; and should we view the 
matter with the eyes of business men, we shall see that such en- 
terprise must surely pay. 



Vlll PREFACE. 

Persons who have paid any attention to the rise and progress 
of veterinary science in this country, are painfully aware of its 
great imperfections, and the author's object in preparing this work 
is to endeavor to lessen and remove them, by giving the reader 
the benefit of an experience which extends through a period of 
twenty-five years. 

In view of furnishing reliable information, and of showing how 
little of medicine is required for the treatment of various forms 
of disease, a number of cases, recorded in the author's note-book, 
are introduced in various parts of the work. These cases may, 
perhaps, also give the unprejudiced reader juster views of the 
relations of nature and art to diseases ; for it is a notorious fact 
that very many well-instructed persons of all classes have hith- 
erto exercised a blind faith in the medical art for the cure of dis- 
ease, when it is a fact well known to those who practice rational 
medicine that Nature possesses vastly greater powers than Art in 
curing diseases. What is here meant by nature, is the conserva- 
tive power inherent in the living body. For a better understand- 
ing of this subject, the reader is referred to the works of Sir John 
Forbes, Oliver W. Holmes, and Professor Bigelow. 

In view of aiding nature in the cure of disease, the author has 
introduced to the reader's attention a new class of remedies, viz. : 
Fluid Extracts of a sanative character. They have proved more 
safe and efficacious in the practice of rational medicine than all 
the other heroic arms of physic. 

These remedies have been carefully tested for several years by 
the author, and those students who have, from time to time, placed 
themselves under his instruction, and the result has been very 
satisfactory ; otherwise, they would not be recommended in this 
work. 

Finally, the author feels it due to himself to state that the 
almost constant occupation of his time, professionally, has given 
him less opportunity than he desired for the production of this 
work, yet he entertains a hope that he has not labored in vain ; 
and thus this mite is cast into the common treasury of Veterinary 
Science. 

G. H. D. 

Chicago, Nov. 3, 1866. 



CONTENTS. 



SECTION I.— The Causes op Disease. 

(Page 19-39.) 

Remarks on Veterinary Science, and the Relation it bears to Social Science — 
Veterinary Science; how to inaugurate it — What Benefits have we derived from 
its Study — Inflammation; its Nature and Treatment 

SECTION II.— Diseases of the Eye. 

(Page 40-57.) 

Amaurosis, or Glass Eye (Gutta Serena) — Foreign bodies within the Eyelids- 
Specks, or film on the eye, known as Opacity of the Cornea — Cataract — Worm 
in the Eye — Ophthalmia — Treatment of Inflammation — Purulent Ophthalmia — 
Specific Ophthalmia. 

SECTION III. — Diseases op the Brain and Nervous System. 

(Page 58-85.) 

Abscess within the Substance of the Brain — Hydrocephalus, or Dropsy of the 
Brain — Stomach Staggers — Apoplexy, or Cerebral Hemorrhage — Apoplexy of 
Spine, or Spinal Hemorrhage, producing Paraphlegia — Epilepsy, or Fits — Te- 
tanus — Vertigo — Acute or General Disease of the Brain, known as Encephalitis — 
Sleepy Staggers — Cerebral Meningitis — Chorea, or Stringhalt. 



SECTION IV. — Diseases op the Respiratory Passages and 

Organs. 

(Page 86-186.) 

Importance of Ventilating Stables — Brief Exposition and Description of the 
Function of the Lungs — Spasm of the muscles of the Glottis and Epiglottis — Lar- 
yngytis, (suppurative and inflammatory) — Croup — Chronic Cough — Roaring — 
Polypus — Bronchocele — Influenza, or epizootic catarrh — Pneumonia, or Inflam- 
mation of the Lungs, including Typhoid Affections, Pleurisy, and Dropsy of the 
Chest. 

(be) 



X CONTENTS. 

SECTION V.— Dentition and Diet. 

(Page 127-146.) 

The Horse's Age as shown by his Teeth — On the Diet of Horses — The effects of- 
various kinds of Food — As regards the quantity of Food required — As regards 
changes in Diet — Conclusion. 

SECTION VI.— Glanders and Farcy. 

(Page 147-159.) 

Glanders — Glanders can be communicated to Man — Contagiousness of Gland- 
ers — Suspected Glanders — How came the Disease to be called Glanders ? — Diag- 
nostic Symptom of Glanders — Treatment of Glanders— Farcy (Disease of the 
Absorbents). 

SECTION VII. — Diseases op the Digestive Organs. 

(Page 160-222.) 

Lampas — Spontaneous Salivation — Bots — Inflammation of Stomach — Rupture 
of Stomach — Gorged, or over-distended Stomach — Meteorization — Flatulent 
Colic — Spasmodic Colic — Inflammation of the Peritoneum — Ascitis — Inflamma- 
tion of the Intestines — Strangulation of Intestines — Wounds penetrating the 
Abdominal Cavity — Splenic Apoplexy — Functional Disease of the Liver — Pan- 
creas; its Function — Parasites which affect the Intestines. 

SECTION VIII. — Diseases op the Urinary Organs. 

(Page 223-237.) 

Inflammation of the Kidneys — Inflammation of the Bladder — Stone in the 
Bladder — Suppression of the Urine — Retention of the Urine — Diabetes, or Pro- 
fuse Stalling — Rupture of the Bladder — Albuminous Urine — Hsematuria, or 
Bloody Urine. 

SECTION IX.— Surgical Operations. 

(Page 239-273.) 

Of Surgical Operations and the various Restraints it is sometimes necessary 
to place the Horse under for- their performance — Casting — Slinging — Castra- 
tion — French method of Castration — Castration by Ligature — Lithotomy — 
Traceotomy — (Esophagotomy- -Neurotomy — Mode of Performing Neurotomy — 
Periosteotomy — Division of the Flexor Tendons — Amputations — Amputation of 
the Penis — Amputation of the Tail — Nicking — Firing — Blistering — Ammoniacal 
Blister — Rowelling — Setons — Abstraction of Blood, or Bleeding — Division of the 
Temporal Artery — Bleeding by the Palate — Bleeding by the Toe — Phlebotomy- 
Bleeding by the Jugular Vein. 



CONTENTS OF EQUINE DEPARTMENT. XI 

SECTION X. — Diseases of the Skin and Sub -tissues. 

(Page 274-301.) 

Itch and Mange — Lice on Animals — Grease and Scratches — Surfeit — Dropsical 
Limbs — Scarletina — Ringworm — Prurigo — Poll-evil — Fistulous Withers — Warts 
on the Skin — Purpura Hemorrhagica — Out of condition — Hide-bound — Herpes. 

SECTION XI. — Breeding, and the Principles op the same. 

(Page 302-318.) 

Breeding — The Principles of Breeding — In-and-in Breeding — Permanent Va- 
rieties — Animals become Parents too early — Objections to In-and-in Breeding 
answered — The Advantage of In-and-in Breeding — The Importance of Studying 
Anatomy and Physiology. 

SECTION XII. — Lameness, prom Various Causes. 

(Page 319-385.) 

Curbs — Elbow Tumor — Capped Hock — Varix, or Bog Spavin — Atrophy, or 
Wasting of Muscles — Thorough-pin — Navicular Disease, or Lameness — Pleurody- 
nia — Acute Rheumatism— Chronic Rheumatism — Ring-bone — Splint — Spavin — 
Osteo Porosis — Curvature of the Spine — Hoof-bound — Laminitis — Sand-crack — 
Quarter Crack — Navicular Thritis — Stifle Out — Contraction of the Hoof — Bowed 
Legs — Corns — Lameness. 

SECTION XIII. — Horse Management, etc. 

(Page 387-415.) 

Prolapsus Ani — Hemorrhoids, or Piles — Pricking and Nicking Horses' Tails — 
Docking Horses — Anasmia — The Use and Abuse of the Curry-comb — Horses and 
Cattle should have a supply of Pure Water — Galled Back — The Heart — The 
quantity of Blood contained in a Horse's Body — Rapidity of the Circulation — 
The transfusion of Blood — Management of the Horses put in the Stable — Stran- 
gles. 




CONTENTS OF BOVINE DEPAETMENT. 



SECTION XIV. — The Rinderpest, or Contagious Pleuro- 
pneumonia. 

(Page 419-438.) 

Origin of the Disease in Massachusetts — Spread of the Disease — The Cattle 
Plague in Kentucky. 

SECTION XV. — Diseases of the Organs op Respiration. 

(Page 439-456.) 

Croup — Laryngitis — Bronchitis — Inflammation of the Lungs — Hoose or Com- 
mon Catarrh — Epizootic Catarrh — Consumption — Pharyngitis (Sore Throat) — 
Pulmonary Apoplexy — Pleurisy, and Description of the Pleura. 

SECTION XVI. — Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 

(Page 457-491.) 

Description of the (Esophagus — Foreign Bodies in the Gullet — (Esophagot- 
omy — Laceration of the (Esophagus — Aphthse — Description of Stomach — Rumi- 
nation — Bloat — Distension of the Rumen with Food — Gastro-intestinal Inflam- 
mation — Dentition of Cattle — Synopsis of Dentition — Suspended Rumination, or 
Loss of Cud — Inflammation of the Bowels — Invagination of Intestine — Diar- 
rhea — Chronic Diarrhea — Gut Tie — Internal Rupture of Oxen — Flatulent Colic — 
Spasm of the Bowels — Constipation of Bowels. 



SECTION XVII.— Parturition. 

(Page 492-502.) 

Signs of Labor, or Parturition — Natural Labor — Unnatural Labor — Fore-legs 
Presenting — One Fore-leg Presenting — Head Presenting without the Legs — Ex- 
traction of a Calf on its Back — Hind Legs Presenting— Breech Presentation — 
Cleansing, or Removal of the After-birth — Back of the Calf Presenting at the 
Brim of the Pelvis — Uterine Hemorrhage — Birth of Twins — Triplets, 
(xii) 



CONTENTS OF BOVINE DEPARTMENT. Xlll 

SECTION XVIII. — Diseases op the Generative Organs. 

(Page 503-516.) 

Constriction of the Neck of the Uterus — Embryotomy — Treatment of Cows 
during Pregnancy — Symptoms of Pregnancy — Dropsy of the Womb — Puerperal 
Fever — Falling of the Womb. 

SECTION XIX. — Diseases of the Udder, Teats, etc. 

(Page 517-528.) 

Mammitis — Stricture in Cows' Teats — Obstruction at the end of the Teats — 
Obstruction in the Teats — Tumors in the Teats — Injuries to the Teats — Sore 
Teats — Chapped Teats and Chafed Udder — Inversion of the Vagina — Laceration 
of the Vagina — Abortion — Inflammatory Affections of the Hind Limbs after 
Calving. 

SECTION XX. — Diseases of the Urinary Organs. 

(Page 529-539.) 

Description of the Urinary System — The Ureters — The Bladder — The Ure- 
thra — Hematuria — Inflammation of the Kidneys — Urinary Calculi — Calculi in 
the Bladder — Black Water — Red Water. 

SECTION XXI. — The Heart — Its Function and Diseases. 

(Page 540-552.) 

Description of the Heart — The Heart's Function — Diseases of the Heart — Di- 
latation of the Heart — Pericarditis — Hypertrophy — Endocarditis. 

SECTION XXII. — Diseases of the Eye and its Membranes. 

(Page 553-561.) 

Description of the Eye — Humors of the Eye — Coats of the Eye — Muscles of the 
Eye and Eyelids — Ophthalmia — Foreign Bodies in the Eyes — Specific or Period- 
ical Ophthalmia — Cancer in Cattle. 

SECTION XXIIL— Hernia, or Ruptures. 

(Page 562-567.) 
Forms of Rupture — Inguinal Hernea — Strangulated Hernia — Ventral Hernia. 

SECTION XXIV.— Diseases op the Bones. 

(Page 568-599.) 

Cachexia Ossafraga — Bone Disorders — Mechanism and Structure of Bones — 
Composition of Bones — Ultimate Constituents of Bones — Dilitation of the Jaw 



XIV CONTENTS OF BOVINE DEPARTMENT. 

Bones — Abscess beneath the Periosteum, at the Angle of the Jaw — -Exostosis, or 
Deposit of the Calcareous Matter on the Surface of Bones — Caries, or Ulceration 
of Bones — Preliminary to Horn-Ail — On Sympathy and the Sympathetic Relations 
which exist in the Animal Economy — Horn-Ail — Tail-Ail. 



SECTION XXV.— Diseases op the Brain. 

(Page 600-610.) 

Inflammation of the Brain and its Membranes — Sturdy in Cattle — Shaking 
Palsy — Hydrophobia. 

SECTION XXVI.— The Liver and its Diseases. 

(Page 611-619.) 

Description of the Liver — Secretion of Bile; its Uses, etc. — Gall-bladder — In- 
flammation of the Liver — Hydatids — Jaundice, or Yellows. 

SECTION XXVII.— Diseases op the Skin. 

(Page 620-630.) 

Exanthemata, or Eruptive Fever — Mange — Foul in the Foot — Warts — Gad- 
flies — Yoke Galls — The Hair of Cattle an Epidermic Appendage — Pemphygis or 
Vesicular Eruption — Cracks in the Heels of Cattle. 

SECTION XXVIIL— Various Operations and Diseases. 

(Page 631-667.) 

Castration — Enzootic Milk Sickness, or Trembles — Improved Method of Milk- 
ing — Diseased Thymus Gland — Cords in Young Calves — Steamed and Cooked 
Food for Stock — Cheap Fodder for Cows — Black Tongue — Fractured Bones — 
Fractured Radius of a Calf — Light in Barns — Diarrhea in Calves — Sprains or 
Strains — Spaying Cows. 

SECTION XXIX.— Remarks on the Cattle Plague. 
(Page 668-705.) 

SECTION XXX.— Diseases op Sheep. 

(Page 706-716.) 

Improvement in Sheep — Rot, or Hydatids in the Liver — Yellows — Vertigo, or 
Giddiness: — Jackets or Blankets for Sheep — Foot-rot — Grubs in the Nostrils — 
Ticks — Inflammation of the Eye — Inflammation of the Lungs — Common Catarrh — 
Diarrhea and Dysentery — Constipation of the Bowels — Tympanites, or Windy 
Distension of the Intestines and Abdomen. 



CONTENTS OF BOVINE DEPARTMENT. XV 

SECTION XXXI.— Diseases op Swine. 

(Page 717-746.) 

Effects of Impure Air on Swine — Measles in Pork — Quinsy — Hernia, or Rup- 
ture — Intestinal Worms — Hog Cholera — Trichina Spiralis. 

Guide to Diagnosis 755 

Table of Weights 768 

Glossary 769 

Index 773 




LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



EQUINE DEPARTMENT. 

Skeleton of the horse 18 

Ahorse bent on mischief— the subject 

of phrenitis 59 

The test for tetanus or locked-jaw 70 

Contents of the thorax 89 

Representation of the insertion of the 

tracheotomy tube 93 

Nasal polypus 102 

Appearance of the tumor of broncho- 

cele 104 

Plan of a vapor bath 114 

Main arteries on the inside of one of 

the fore legs 126 

The horse's age, as shown by the 

teeth, twelve illustrations 127—132 

Section of a horse's head showing 

glanders 148 

Section of a horse's head in a healthy 

condition 149 

Burning a horse's mouth for lampas.. 161 

CEstrus equi, (bots) 172 

CEstrus hemorrhoidalis 174 

Appearance of the intestines on open- 
ing the abdominal cavity.... 202 

Surgical instruments used in veteri- 
nary practice 238 

Acarus, or itch insect 274 

Curbs and elbow tumor 320 

A foundered, or dead lame horse 324 

View of some of the deep-seated mus- 
cles in the region of the hock and 

stifle 328 

External muscles and tendons of the 
off hind leg 334 



PAGE 

Extremity of one of the fore legs 351 

Section of a diseased spine 361 

The patella or stifle bone diseased 363 

Articulating surface of the lower end 

of the thigh bone 365 

Spavined in off hind leg— ring bones 

on all pasterns 371 

A perfect fore leg 379 

Mode of operating for thoroughpin, 

splint and spavin 379 

Bottom of the hoof represented 379 

Anatomy of one of the fore legs 386 

BOVINE DEPARTMENT. 

Representation of the geneology of 
pleuro-pneunionia as it occurred 

in Massachusetts 418 

Section of a cow's stomach 459 

Imported Dutch cow "Purmer" 474 

Dentition of cattle, fourteen illustra- 
tions 475-477 

Falling otf the womb 513 

The heart, its circulation 541 

Celebrated bull "Dutchman" 552 

View of some of the superficial mus- 
cles 567 

Pelvis and ribs diseased and distorted 578 

Specimen of an Alderney bull 610 

Trichina spiralis and ova, as seen in 
the muscles of the human subject, 

magnified 736 

Trichina spiralis in pork, magnified 737 
Trichina in various stages of develop- 
ment 744 



EQUINE DEPARTMENT, 




SKELETON OF THE HORSE 




FROM A CELEBRATED ANATOMICAL MODEL. 

(Engraved expressly for this work.) 



THEORY AND PRACTICE 



OF 



VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



SECTION I. 

ON THE CAUSES OF DISEASE. 

Remarks on Veterinary Science, and the Relation it bears to Social 
Science — Veterinary Science; how to Inaugurate it — What Benefits 
have we derived from its study inflammation; its nature and treat- 
MENT. 

TO explain the cause or causes of disease occurring among 
domestic animals is an herculean undertaking, when ex- 
pounded by the theory and faulty logic as applied to the ancient 
method of reasoning on " false facts ; " but, thanks to the genial 
spirit of progression and improvement, we are enabled to throw 
some light on the subject. We have been taught to believe that 
many of the causes of disease are invisible and mysterious; but 
this is not the fact. We are in possession of evidence going to 
show, very conclusively, that the causes of disease may be classi- 
fied very distinctly and intelligently under two heads, viz. : Pre- 
disposing and Exciting ; yet this classification is not offered by 
the author as absolute, but is a more convenient arrangement 
than any other to study the multifarious conditions which people 
believe are remotely or immediately concerned in the production 
of disease. For example, many interesting and valuable facts are 
on record, going to show that the peculiar properties, characters, 
and qualities of the parent — whether good or bad, healthy or dis- 

(19) 



20 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

eased, external or internal — are transmitted to the offspring; or, 
in common phraseology, are predisposing and hereditary. 

"Among horses and cattle, we find, as in the human subject, 
ample illustration of the hereditary tendency of external form, 
disposition, habit, and disease. The parent transfers to its off- 
spring size, shape, and general conformation similar to its own; 
and the aphorism, ' like produces like/ is as applicable to faulty 
and disproportioned as to beautiful and symmetrical form, to dis- 
eased and debilitated as to healthy and vigorous constitution, to 
gentle and tractable as to fiery and indomitable disposition. The 
size, weight, general appearance, expression of countenance, fleet- 
ness, and temper of the horse are all hereditary. Many illustra- 
tions might be given of particular families being remarkable, 
during several generations, for good or bad points, as for well or 
ill-formed head ; for high and well-developed or for low and weak 
withers; for fine, strong, and well-turned, or for coarse, weak, 
and ill-formed limbs. Peculiarities of color often extend through 
many generations, and are so constant in their transmission as 
sometimes to form one of the distinctive characteristics of a race. 
Indeed, most breeds of horses have a prevailing color, to which 
there are few exceptions. The heavy horses of Lincolnshire, for 
example, are generally of black; the Cleveland, bay; and the 
wild horses of the plains of Eastern Siberia, dun. Particular 
markings, also — as white spots on various parts of the body, stars 
and blazes on the face, one or more white feet or legs — often con- 
tinue for many generations, and are peculiar to certain families. 

" There are some maladies in which it is comparatively easy to 
trace the connection between conformation and disease. In the 
horse, certain sorts of limbs notoriously predispose to certain dis- 
eases. Thus, bone spavins are most usually seen where there is 
a disproportion in the size of the limb above and below the hock ; 
curbs, where the os calcis is small and the hock straight ; strains 
of the tendons of the fore-leg, where the limb is round and the 
tendons and ligaments confined at the knee; and navicular dis- 
ease, where the chest is narrow and the toes turned out. Among 
horses so formed, these diseases are unusually common, and are 
developed by causes which would be quite inadequate to produce 
them in animals of more perfect conformation. But it appears to 
us that internal and constitutional hereditary diseases also depend 
upon the altered conformation or texture of the parts specially 



ON THE CAUSES OF DISEASE. 21 

affected, or of some disturbance of the relation which should subsist 
between the different constituents of these parts. This abnormal 
state of the internal parts is seldom within the limits of our means 
of observation or investigation ; but its existing in animals having 
an hereditary predisposition to disease can not, we think, be doubted, 
as we shall now endeavor to show. The ground of our reasoning 
rests chiefly on the analogy which subsists, in all respects, between 
external and internal parts. The same law which regulates the 
hereditary transmission of form, texture, and relation of external 
and visible parts, also operates with equal force in regard to the 
form, texture, and relations betwixt the component parts of inter- 
nal, and, it may be, inaccessible to ordinary powers of investiga- 
tion. Then if, as we have shown, external hereditary diseases, 
such as lamenesses, are traceable to external hereditary peculiari- 
ties of conformation, we do not think it pushing our analogy too 
far in asserting that, in like manner, internal hereditary diseases 
must, in great part at least, depend upon some inherent hereditary 
peculiarity of the internal parts affected." 

The common disease known as bone spavin is inherent, or de- 
pendent on predisposition, as related above ; for the author never 
knew a horse to be the subject of this malady unless he had faulty 
hocks; or, in other words, in so far as the conformation of the 
parts were concerned, predisposition was evident. The same re- 
marks apply to ringbone. Either the pasterns are too upright, 
thereby causing jar and concussion, or they slant unnaturally, 
and the consequence is, strain of the ligamentary structures, end- 
ing often in ringbone and other osseous diseases. 

Ample evidence can be adduced to show that various diseases 
of the eye are hereditary. The tendency to ophthalmia shows it- 
self in a peculiar conformation of the eye, and parts in the vicinity 
of it. Periodical ophthalmia is notoriously hereditary, and usually 
ends in cataract. 

Colic, also, can be traced to inherent tendencies; for animals 
subject to flatulent colic are known to have a morbid appetite; 
they have, also, a large, roomy abdomen, which gives them an 
ungainly appearance. Yet it is true that diseases may occur 
accidentally, without the intervention of predisposition ; but pre- 
disposition exists in almost all cases, and it only requires some 
anatomical and physiological knowledge on the part of husband- 
men to detect it. 



22 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

F. Dun, a lecturer in the Edinburgh Veterinary College, tells us 
that diarrhea and colic are, to a certain extent, hereditary, " inas- 
much as they are very prone to attack horses of particular form 
and constitution, as those with narrow loins, large flat sides, and 
of what is generally termed a washy appearance. If such animals 
be overworked, (especially soon after being fed,) if their food be 
suddenly changed, or if they be allowed an unusual quantity of 
fluid, they are almost certain to be attacked either by purging or 
colic. The tendency to these diseases appears, in such cases, to 
depend on a want of adjustment among the different organs of the 
body ; a want of balance among the different functions of diges- 
tion, circulation, and respiration. 

" Many farm-horses, as well as others without much breeding, 
are remarkable for consuming large quantities of food, for soft 
and flabby muscular systems, and for round limbs containing an 
unusual proportion of cellular tissue. These characters are no- 
toriously hereditary, of which indubitable evidence is afforded by 
their existence in many different individuals of the same stock, 
and their long continuance, even under the best management and 
most efficient systems of breeding. Such characters indicate pro- 
clivity to certain- diseases, as swelled legs, weed, and grease. If 
horses of this description stand long, the circulation of the blood 
through the limbs is retarded ; for, as the contraction of the mus- 
cles which materially aid circulation are wanting, the blood in the 
veins rises with difficulty against its own gravity, while the soft 
and lax condition of the venous coats, and of the muscles in con- 
tact with them, permits the passage of the fluid parts of the blood, 
giving rise to a serous effusion, which is soft, and pits on pressure. 
This anasarcous condition, although troublesome, and frequently 
recurring, is easily removed by friction, exercise, or a little physic, 
and does not unfit the animal for ordinary work. 

" But the same conformation and constitution which induce sim- 
ple swelled legs also give rise to the more serious affection known 
as weed, or a shot of grease. This consists in ,a disturbance of the 
balance which naturally subsists between the waste of the system 
and the supply of new material to repair that waste. Food is as- 
similated in larger quantity than the wants of the system require ; 
the chyle so formed accumulates in the absorbent vessels and 
glands, which become, in consequence, irritated and inflamed. 
That part of the absorbent system situated in the hinder extremi- 



ON THE CAUSES OF DISEASE. 23 

ties is usually the principal seat of the disease. The animal sud- 
denly becomes lame; the inguinal and other glands in the groin 
become enlarged and very painful, and the swelling and pain 
gradually extend downward along the course of the absorbents, 
while the limb becomes a great deal larger than its natural size. 
There is, at the same time, a good deal of constitutional fever, 
with a full and bounding pulse. The swelling of the leg is, in 
the first instance, inflammatory, being hot and tender, and the 
skin, over the part affected, hard and tense. Such swellings may, 
by judicious treatment, be removed ; but, in cases of a chronic 
character, or where the same limb has been previously affected^ 
lymph is effused, forming hard and nodulous, and even diffuse 
swellings, which often cause lameness, by interfering with the mo- 
tions of the joints or tendons. These indurated swellings must 
be carefully distinguished from the serous effusions above noticed, 
which, although giving the animal an unsightly appearance, do 
not materially impair his usefulness. 

" Grease consists in a morbid condition of the sebaceous glands 
of the horse's heels and fetlocks. It occurs in various degrees of 
intensity; sometimes as a mere scurfy itchiness of the skin about 
the fetlocks, more commonly of the hind extremities ; sometimes 
attended with much inflammation, causing great heat, pain, and 
swelling, and an ichorous fetid discharge ; sometimes^causing fall- 
ing off of the hair about the heels, and the formation of deep 
cracks and fissures; and sometimes becoming so violent and in- 
veterate as to cause eversion of the sebaceous glands, formation 
of granulations, and secretion of pus, constituting the loathsome 
complaint termed the grapes. There are few diseases better de- 
serving the epithet of hereditary than grease, and few in which 
the hereditary nature can be more easily discovered and traced. 
Almost every practitioner can bring to his recollection cases show- 
ing the tendency of this disease to descend from parent to off- 
spring. A friend of mine, some years ago, purchased a valuable 
four-year old entire horse, adapted for agricultural purposes. 
When bought, he appeared perfectly sound, and his limbs were 
nearly black, well-formed, and fine ; within a short time, how- 
ever, they became thick and greasy. And, although the mares 
to which he was put were perfectly free from such faults, the prog- 
eny have shown, in every case where they can be traced, unmis- 
takable evidence of their inheriting the greasy diathesis of their 



24 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

sire. They have all been found liable to swelled legs when they 
stand idle for a few days ; most of them have been the subjects of 
repeated attacks of weed ; all are affected, particularly in spring, 
with scurfiness of the skin of the hind extremities and excessive 
itchiness, and lose, at a very early age, their flatness and smooth- 
ness of limb. The faults occur, to a greater or less degree, in all 
the stock of this horse, by many different mares, and are dis- 
tinctly traceable to the third generation. But, although grease 
is undoubtedly hereditary, and is, therefore, readily induced by 
comparatively simple causes, still it is frequently caused, and is 
always aggravated, by neglect of cleanliness; and of this there is 
ample evidence in the fact that it is most common in foul and 
badly-managed stables, and where no pains are taken to keep the 
horses' feet and legs clean and dry." 

The scrofulous predisposition is very marked in certain breeds 
of horses; it occasions rickets, softening, deformity, and various 
forms of disease in the bones, as, for example, big head, big jaw, 
etc. The same author, just quoted, says in reference to scrofula: 

" From their weak and unsound constitution, horses of a scrof- 
ulous diathesis are unusually prone to glanders and farcy — two 
forms of a disease peculiar (at least as an original disease) to the 
equine species. As has been already remarked, it is characterized 
by a specific unhealthy inflammation, identical in all important 
characteristics with the syphilitic inflammation in man. From the 
dire and loathsome nature of glanders, and the terror in which it 
is held, animals affected by it are never used for breeding, so that 
we have little opportunity of judging of its hereditary nature. 
There is no evidence (so far as I know) which proves it to be di- 
rectly hereditary,* but there is no doubt that the progeny of a 
glanderous horse would exhibit an unusually strong tendency to 
the disease. Its ordinary predisposing causes are, many of them, 
hereditary ; it is very prone to attack animals of a weak or vitiated 
constitution. It is emphatically the disease which cuts off all 
horses that have had their vital energies reduced below the 
healthy standard, either by inherent or acquired causes. Glan- 



* "Though I am not aware of any facts proving glanders to be congenital, yet 
I think there is every probability that such is the case ; for it is notorious that 
syphilis, the analagous disease in the human subject, is congenital, and often 
appears at birth in the children of women affected by that disease." 



ON THE CAUSES OF DISEASE. 25 

ders is, also, sometimes caused by inoculation ; is frequently pro- 
duced in healthy subjects by mismanagement, as by insufficient 
food, want of shelter, and overwork; and often supervenes on 
bad attacks of influenza, strangles, diabetes, and other diseases 
which debilitate the system, or impair the integrity of any of its 
more important parts. These causes appear to possess the power 
of engendering in the constitution of a horse a peculiar poison, 
which, as it reproduces itself, and spreads to all parts of the body, 
gives rise to the characteristic symptoms of glanders, causing, 
sooner or later, a breaking up of the system, and a fatal prostra- 
tion of the vital powers. This poison produces in the blood ab- 
normal changes, which vitiate that fluid, and unfit it for healthy 
nutrition.* From the irritant action of the morbid fluids passing 
through them, the lymphatic glands and vessels become inflamed, 
and lymph is deposited. This, however, being of an unhealthy 
nature, soon runs on to softening, which extends to the skin over- 
lying the part, and ulcerating farcy-buds are formed. On the 
surface of the more vascular mucous membranes effusions of tu- 
bercular matter are also poured out ; these take on an unhealthy 
inflammation, and degenerate into chancrous ulcers, which may 
generally be seen on the mucous membrane of the nostrils in most 
bad cases of glanders. 

" These are the most common scrofulous diseases of horses ; but 
an animal of the scrofulous diathesis, besides being specially sub- 
ject to these, is little able to withstand ordinary morbific causes, 
and hence is also unusually liable to many ordinary diseases ; in 
such a subject, too, disease is very apt to be severe and complicated, 
and to be acted on tardily and imperfectly by all remedies." 

Having now furnished the reader with a few valuable facts 
bearing on hereditary predisposition, we shall briefly discourse 



* "A comparison of the two subjoined analyses will show the great difference 
in composition between the blood of healthy and of glanderous horses — a differ- 
ence consisting chiefly in a diminution of the red corpuscules, and a propor- 
tional increase of the fibrine and albumen. 

Blood of Healthy Horse. Blood of Glanderous Horse. 

A. B. 

Water 804.75 842 859. 

Fibrine 2.41 6.60 8.7 

Blood corpuscules 117.13 68.20 44.20 

ILrnen".:::::::::::::::::::: ^ ? 6 - 80 82 - 27 

Soluble salts 6.82 6.60 5.38 

Simon's Animal Chemistry, by Dr. Day, vol. 1, pp. 346-7." 



26 DADD'S VETERINARY SURGERY AND MEDICINE. 

in reference to some of the exciting causes which in general pro- 
duce those diseases to which the horse, by virtue of his constitu- 
tion, is liable. The following quotation, brief and pointed, will 
be found pertinent : 

" By far the easiest and best mode of curing diseases of animals 
is to keep the diseases and the cattle separate. With cattle, as 
with ourselves, disease is caused, in most instances, by an excess 
of carefulness or of carelessness. Too much and too rich food is 
as injurious as too little and too poor. Perhaps fewer diseases, 
in proportion to the numbers treated in each way, spring from 
privation than from surfeit. Too little as well as too great 
exposure to extremes of heat and cold has a tendency to create 
disease; in the one case it causes disease, in the other it renders 
man or animal more liable to it. Let a wealthy and a warm- 
hearted man own and take charge of a favorite animal, and the 
chances are that it will be 'killed with kindness;' if it is tended, 
in part, by a hireling, the equilibrium may be restored. In our 
experience — no very limited one, by the way — care is more needed 
among cattle than cures ; and all the diseases which came under 
our treatment sprang from the want of judicious care. Has a 
cow a cough, has she the hoven, has she the red-water, or the 
puerperal fever? it is from over care — too much warmth or too 
much feed. Is she mangy, lousy, hide-bound, or affected with 
horn-ail ? the chances are that she has been neglected. Of course 
there are very many exceptions to this and to every other general 
rule. But this is our experience. Let few farmers, however, 
feed their animals less than they now do, or give them more airy 
lodgings than they now do, because the greater number of the 
cattle in this country suffer from privation and exposure to the 
inclemencies of the weather rather than from pampering. But 
animals, as well as men, will, with the best care we can bestow 
on them, become sick at times. Our judgment is often at fault 
when our intentions are the best. Sometimes our back is turned, 
or our eyes are not opened sufficiently wide. At all events, our 
stock will become sick, some of them ; and recourse must be had 
to medical remedies." 

It is usual to classify causes ; yet, for all practical purposes, it is 
only necessary for us to know that exciting causes are those from 
which disease most directly springs. For example, suppose that in 
the act of shoeing a horse a nail is driven in a wrong direction, 



ON THE CAUSES OF DISEASE. 27 

enters the sensitive tissues of the foot, and lameness occurs ; the 
nail r in this event, may be classed as a special or mechanical 
exciting cause; and, under the same head, we class poisons and 
injuries of all sorts. 

When horses become the subjects of glanders, or farcy, by being 
exposed to the maladies, they are then said to have taken it either 
by infection or contagion, and the cause is said to be specific. 
The terms infection and contagion are now used as synonymous, 
and, undoubtedly, if reference be had to the etymology of the 
words, the arrangement is correct. Coming now to plain matter 
of fact, the exciting cause of disease is that which, when taken 
into the body, or applied outwardly, is followed by disease or 
derangement. 

The exciting causes of disease may, therefore, be summed up 
thus: Debility, induced by bad management, exposure, unwhole- 
some food; plethora, brought on by over-feeding and want of 
exercise; overdosing animals with improper medicines and 
poisons; overtaxing the muscular powers of the animal, and the 
breathing of an impure atmosphere. 

A great proportion of the diseases occurring among horses and 
cattle in the Western States is due to the fact that they are not 
properly housed at night, and the food that they often gather in 
their exposed situations lacks the nitrogenous and nutritious 
matter for the manufacture of good, healthy blood and strong 
muscles. 

Disease sometimes, however, occurs when no exciting nor any 
other cause appears; yet, with the exception of those maladies 
supposed to be produced by miasmatic influences, it is proMble 
that the cause, in such cases, has not been discovered. Finally, 
it may be said that the causes of disease among animals are within 
their bodies as well as around and about them. 

Veterinary Science, and the relation it bears to Social Science. — 
The necessity which exists for the services of educated Veteri- 
nary Surgeons throughout the United States, and in cavalry regi- 
ments of the United States army, is evident to every thinking 
man ; yet, prior to the advent of our late national troubles, it 
was found almost impossible to interest the right kind of men, 
so that they might use their influence for the purpose of direct- 
ing the attention of the General Government to the value and 



28 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

importance of veterinary science ; but the probability is that Con- 
gress will soon legislate on the subject, and before long we may 
expect to hear of the appointment of a Veterinary Surgeon and 
Assistant Surgeon to each cavalry regiment. 

There exists no earthly reason why our profession should not 
rank as high in America as in England and France. The great 
losses which are continually occuring among army horses is a 
monstrous and growing evil, and, in view of preventing unneces- 
sary diseases and premature deaths, the Government must organ- 
ize a veterinary corps. 

It is very important that our science should attract the notice 
of legislators; for it bears a very intimate relation with social 
science, inasmuch as men and animals are subject to similiar 
diseases, which are communicable one to the other, and which 
often arise spontaneously, and are transmitted from first to second. 
For example, there is a disease which often occurs among cattle, 
known as "Anthrax." It is a malignant disease, and many 
persons have lost their lives by absorbing the virulent "anthrax 
poisons " from the carcasses of dead animals. 

A cutaneous disease often occurs among the bovine species, 
known as "ring-worm," which aifects the hands and arms of 
some persons who attend such animals. 

It is asserted, also, that the vesicular murrain, which at times 
prevails among cows, gives rise to the development of a virus 
which is often squeezed into the milk-pail, and produces very bad 
effects on children when fed on the same. 

It has been discovered that the little vesicles found in measled 
pork are tape-worms, in a certain stage of development, and if 
not destroyed by thoroughly cooking the infected meat, may 
develop the dangerous parasite in the human intestines. 

That awful disease known as virulent " glanders " (spontaneous 
in some horses) has destroyed many of our race. A small por- 
tion of the glandered matter coming in contact with an abraded 
or absorbing spot on any part of a man's body, will surely cause 
him to die the most horrible of all deaths ; and the same remarks 
apply to the disease known as " malignant farcy." 

We might enumerate many other forms of disease which are 
communicable from the superior orders of animality to the in- 
ferior, and vice versa, but the above must suffice, in view of 
attracting attention to the value and importance of the subject. 



ON THE CAUSES OF DISEASE. 29 

In regard to the origin of diseases, it is known to the nrofession 
that the diseases of men and animals are often due to similar 
causes ; that the evils of domestication, which operate to develop 
disease in animals, are as notorious as the evils of civilization, 
which induces unnecessary diseases and premature death among 
members of the human family ; therfore, our science does bear 
an intimate relation to social science, and it appears to us that no 
scientific mind can fail to appreciate the advantages to be derived 
from a more extended knowledge of the fundamental principles 
of veterinary science. 

Let the husbandmen and stock-raisers of this country put their 
shoulders to the wheel, in view of establishing veterinary schools 
and colleges throughout the length and breadth of our immense 
agricultural domain, and soon we can boast of having a class of 
veterinary surgeons, educated on American soil, conversant with 
the diseases incidental to the live stock of America. In that event, 
we can do our own doctoring, without foreign interference. 

We are not disposed to find fault, nor scold about the itinerant 
veterinary practice which prevails throughout the United States, 
for we are aware that all try to do the best they can for the relief 
of the inferior orders of creation. The fault is not with the prac- 
titioners, but with the people, who have failed to furnish the 
means of education. 

Resume. — Since writing the above, the " Trichina " disease has 
made its appearance in Berlin, creating a terrible consternation 
among the consumers of pork. The disease in its symptoms some- 
what resembles cholera, but on making post-mortem examina- 
tions, there was soon discovered in the flesh of some persons an 
immense number of small microscopic parasites ; these were traced 
back to the flesh of the hog, where they were discovered in the 
form of chrysali imbedded in a little shell of lime ; these, on being 
subjected to a slight degree of heat, speedily brought forth myriads 
of small parasites, of various forms and sizes, a dozen of which 
were frequently found in a piece of tissue as large as a pin's head. 
The process of incubation was discovered to have been produced 
in the intestines of those who had eaten the pork, by the animal 
warmth of the stomach. Thus freed from their shells, the creat- 
ures make their way through the walls of the intestines in every 
direction, choosing the hard and fleshy tissues especially, and none 
of them have yet been found in the blood. Most remarkable to 



30 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

relate, the " Trichina " is said to have come from the "field- 
mouse" which the hog, by eating, introduces into his system, from 
whence it is introduced into the system of man. A few years 
ago, a number of persons in London were very seriously affected 
with vomiting and dysentery after partaking of sausages, the 
meat of which was found to be in a putrid state. Liebig, the 
great chemist, informs us that " several hundred cases are known 
in which death has occurred from the use of bad sausages in a 
state of putrefaction." This kind of testimony might be multi- 
plied to an indefinite length, but what has been written must 
suffice. The reader can not fail to perceive that, in the study of 
comparative anatomy and physiology, a wide field for investiga- 
tion and research is before us, which will amply repay the devoted 
student, and be the means of accomplishing much good. 

Veterinary Science — How to Inaugurate it — Wliat Benefits have 
we derived from its Study ? — Shortly after the commencement of 
our late national struggle, the author was consulted in reference 
to the most feasible plan of inaugurating Veterinary Science, so 
that it might be made available for the restoration of sick, lame, 
and otherwise disabled horses in the Government service, which 
drew forth the following reply : Up to the present period there 
exists no law authorizing the employment of regularly-educated 
veterinary surgeons; therefore any rational plan calculated to 
ameliorate the condition of army horses, or to prevent the many 
unnecessary cases of disease and premature deaths which are now 
constantly occurring, or to guard against the great pecuniary 
losses which the Government and people of this country have 
been compelled to submit to in the condemnation and forced sales 
of deteriorated horses, can not, as I understand the matter, be 
considered by the powers that be until Congress shall legislate 
upon the subject. I now propose to inform the reader how to 
render the knowledge we possess available. 

In the first place, I should follow the systems of instruction 
and the organizations of the veterinary schools of London, Ed- 
inburgh, Alfort, and Saumur, and prepare suitable text-books 
adapted to the wants of a nation of people who have never given 
the subject that attention which its importance demands. 

In the selection of pupils, I favor the plan of General McClellan, 
which is as follows : " The pupils for the veterinary school might 



ON THE CAUSES OF DISEASE. 31 

be selected from among the best recruits; indeed, it is not im- 
probable that the advantages of such an institution would induce 
excellent men to enlist for the purpose of availing themselves of 
its benefits. Should such be found to be the results, it would be 
well^o require them to enlist for longer than the usual time, as a 
compensation for the time spent at school." Cavalry officers, 
farriers, or blacksmiths should be permitted to attend lectures on 
anatomy, physiology, and the obvious diseases and lameness of 
horses. 

In cases of emergency, a competent veterinarian should be 
employed in each regiment, whose duty it should be to select an 
intelligent farrier from each company, and instruct such person, 
in a brief and practical manner, on the management of cavalry 
horses in camps, the prevention of diseases, and the most rational 
method of treating diseases incidental to camp life. 

Should it be found impossible to secure the services of a suf- 
ficient number of competent veterinarians for the above purpose, 
let those who have shown themselves qualified, by an examination 
before a medical board, march from camp to camp, give instruc- 
tions, see that the sick and disabled are separated from healthy 
animals, and that the former be placed in a covered hospital, and 
then issue special regulations for the use of mounted troops in 
garrison and in the field, for the purpose of guarding against the 
consequences of ignorance and abuse of the animal machine. 

It would be advisable to establish a veterinary professorship at 
West Point, and there locate the National School. The Govern- 
ment has there a very fine French model of the horse, a skeleton, 
and various preparations of morbid anatomy, etc., which, together 
with other material available, will furnish all that is necessary 
for the purposes of veterinary tuition. It would also be advis- 
able for the Chief Veterinary Surgeon to issue to his subordinates 
such orders as shall secure proper sanitary regulations in camp. 
The horses should be as well cared for as the troops, for in cav- 
alry and artillery service, the success of a campaign, or attack 
and defense, depends much on the health and efficiency of horses. 
It should be the business of some members of the veterinary 
corps to station themselves at accessible points, and there erect 
temporary hospitals for the reception of sick and lame horses, 
where the latter shall receive the benefits of a rational system of 
medication and nursing, whereby, in their restoration to useful- 



32 DADD'S VETERINARY SURGERY AND MEDICINE. 

ness, many millions of dollars might be saved to the Government 
in a short time. I contend that the condemnation and ruinous 
sale of sick and lame horses is a wanton waste of property, and 
it would be just as rational, if rational at all, to sacrifice, neglect, 
or abandon sick or disabled soldiers simply because they are not 
in fit condition for present duty. 

Importance of Veterinary Education. — The importance of edu- 
cating men for the scientific practice of Veterinary Medicine and 
Surgery is self-evident, and is further illustrated by the daily 
experience of those persons whom, as a matter of necessity, have 
been obliged to prescribe for the sick and dying of their flocks 
and herds, at the same time, having no knowledge of those advant- 
ages which a thorough course of training affords, must necessarily 
feel that they are groping in comparative darkness, and when a 
ray of medical light does flit across their path, it often serves to 
make them better acquainted with their own want of skill. Per- 
sons thus circumstanced, unable to procure the services of veteri- 
nary surgeons, in consequence of a scarcity of the "genuine 
material," are often called upon to assume the responsibilities of 
medical practitioners ; and they, no doubt, prescribe with good 
intention and honesty of purpose, but disease and death have the 
vantage of them, for the disease is not often rightly diagnosed, 
nor are they acquainted with the means of securing a favorable 
issue ; and they will hail, as a great blessing, every attempt made 
for the purpose of diffusing a knowledge of Veterinary Science. 

We all know that there is greater need for scientific qualifica- 
tion on the part of those who propose to practice on brutes than 
in the case of a practitioner of human medicine ; and if a special 
course of study and qualification, obtained under the guidance of 
competent teachers at college or elsewhere, be essentially neces- 
sary in the one case, surely they can not be dispensed with in the 
other. Now, it is well known that prior to the introduction of a 
rational system of veterinary medicine in the mother country, 
millions of domestic animals were annually sacrificed at the 
shrine of ignorance; but science came to the rescue, and now the 
disciples of St. Bel, Coleman, their co-workers (the founders of 
the science in England), and kindred spirits, can, by aid of their 
vast materia medica — their anesthetic agents, their scalpel, and 
other appliances — accomplish unheard of wonders. 



ON THE CAUSES OF DISEASE. 33 

The Samaritans of our craft have solved the problems on which 
the fundamental principles of physiology and pathology are 
founded ; they have, to a certain extent, dispelled the awful cloud 
of ignorance and empiricism which had reigned in the British 
Isles. They have succeeded in illuminating the dense and dark 
spots that have existed in horse and cattle practice since the ad- 
vent of the ancient Egyptians, up to that period which introduced 
a new era in our art. They have done more than this : our crafts- 
men have often robbed death of some of its victims, and have 
succeeded in blunting the keen edge of many an epizobtic sword ; 
and thus they have succeeded in stealing a march on the grim 
monarch of epizootic destiny. Their weapons were often such as 
were wielded by Jenner, the benefactor of our race. Our efforts 
may not always be successful, but as our veterinary fathers have 
accomplished much, we ought not to despair. 

The field of enterprise in the United States is composed of vir- 
gin soil, and the " bridegroom of promise " hath not yet put on 
the complete mantle of fertility ; so that there is a splendid chance 
for the teachers and graduates of American schools to distinguish 
themselves and earn the laurel of fame. , 

The husbandmen of this country have also suffered immense 
losses by the death of valuable animals, and since the landing of 
the Pilgrims on Plymouth Rock, up to this very moment, death 
hath run riot in the camping-ground of horses and cattle, and 
people have scarcely been informed of the " why or wherefore." 
The legion host of " itinerant " practitioners which necessity and 
circumstances have created, remain remarkably silent and non- 
committal ; and probably this is the best course they can pursue, 
for, if " ignorance is bliss," and that pays well, it would be de- 
cidedly unbusiness-like in them to assume wisdom which might 
not pay. 

There never was a period in the history of this country when 
the services of educated veterinary surgeons were so much needed 
as at the present time. The live stock of " Young America " do 
not enjoy immunity from those pestiferous epizootic maladies 
which have in former years operated as a " withering simoom " on 
British husbandry. For example, a dreadful malady known as 
pleuro-pneumonia has made sad havoc among live stock in Mas- 
sachusetts, and the terrible alarm there created in consequence, is 
keenly felt, not only in that State, but in many others. In some 
3 



34 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

of the Western States, a malady known as " milk-sickness/' or 
trembles, afflicting both man and beast, sometimes prevails, at- 
tended with such disastrous results that many farmers have often 
been compelled to abandon the old homestead in view of seeking 
a location where there was some prospect of enjoying immunity 
from the pest. 

Hog cholera, or pleuro-pneumonia, (among swine) has often 
slain its millions and tens of millions. Contagious typhus pre- 
vails, and puerperal fever has carried off hundreds of thousands 
of our best stock. Apoplexy, softening of the brain, dropsy of 
the brain, are just as prevalent here as in England. Abortion, 
or miscarriage, is fearfully on the increase. Diseases of climate 
and spontaneous origin are constantly occurring. In fact, to 
shorten a lengthy story, there is scarcely any disease known to 
the veterinarians of the Old World that has not prevailed in the 
New. The mere mention of these matters should at once arouse 
stock-owners to a sense of duty to themselves and their domestic 
animals. 

We must have educated veterinary surgeons for the treatment 
of diseases peculiar to the live stock of this country. It is a mat- 
ter of national policy, a work of benevolence; and should we 
take a business view of the affair, it is a cent and dollar enter- 
prise that will surely pay. 

We want schools and colleges in this country, where the young 
men of America can acquire a republican veterinary education, 
so that in the era before us, the people in this country can employ 
the graduates of their own schools, endowed and fostered by their 
own enterprise and industry. Some persons have an idea that 
veterinary science can only be acquired under the banner of roy- 
alty, but this is a great mistake. I am aware that the people of 
this country have been so absorbed in promoting its growth and 
developing its resources, that there has been but little chance for 
great scientific achievement in our calling, yet within the past 
few years some of the most learned of our profession, educated 
under the auspices of royalty and aristocracy, have been amazed 
at the contributions to science furnished by a few devoted men in 
this country that never saw the inside of an European college. 

As a national affair, therefore, it should be the pride of every 
American citizen to put his shoulder to the wheel for the purpose 
just indicated, for the enterprise will surely redound to the honor 



ON THE CAUSES OF DISEASE. 35 

and glory of the nation. The science which we are laboring to 
render popular is vast and boundless as the ocean ; and although 
it has been explored by many distinguished scholars, it is capable 
of unfolding new truths, and when the united intellect of intelli- 
gent Americans shall be brought to bear upon it, will advance 
with a rapidity truly astonishing. What the American people 
have accomplished, during the past few years, in rendering other 
sciences popular, is proof positive of what shall occur when the 
current of investigation is directed to the science of veterinary 
medicine and physiology. 

In the absence of educated veterinary surgeons throughout the 
country, it is of vast importance that stock-owners generally 
should study, as far as they can, the diseases to which their prop- 
erty is subject, and acquire a knowledge of, at least, the ordinary 
remedies. By doing so, thousands of dollars' worth of valuable 
horses, cattle, and swine may be annually saved to the country, 
and the intense misery which these poor brutes suffer frequently 
be relieved. It is our object in this work to simplify the science 
so that it may be acquired, to a very useful extent, by any intel- 
ligent man. If we shall succeed in enabling stock-owners to 
practice the healing art on their dumb but faithful companions, 
we shall feel that we have done a good work. 

Inflammation; Its Nature and Treatment. — Inflammation is said 
to consist of pain, heat, and redness. It is usually considered as 
an enemy to the^patient ; and we have been taught to subdue it 
by means of bleeding and purging, at all hazards ; and some 
practitioners, when they undertake the job, generally succeed, 
yet they lose the patient for their pains. 

Some writers have made inflammation cut up all manner of 
pranks. It is now sanative in healing a wound or injury, in 
repairing damages which occur in various parts of the animal 
economy ; and in the same paragraph the writers declare that in- 
flammation is the cause of nearly all the deaths that occur. This 
is sheer nonsense, and will not stand the test of logic, nor the 
daily experience of that practitioner who deals in fact, and does 
his own thinking, independently of the dictum of some of the 
schools, and the ancient method of reasoning on false facts. A 
distinguished medical reformer, writing on this subject, says : 
" Numerous hypotheses or opinions respecting the true nature of 



36 D'ADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

inflammation have for ages been advanced, and, for a time, sus- 
tained ; but even at the present day the various doctrines appear 
to be considered altogether problematical." 

We often hear, in common parlance, that, " if inflammation sets 
in, the horse will die." Now, the very reverse of this is the case ; 
for, while inflammation lasts, there is strength, vitality, and aug- 
mented action, though there may be much pain. This should be 
interpreted as the warning voice of Nature, to apprise us of a loss 
of equilibrium in the circulation of the blood, or some deranged 
condition of the system ; and we should heed the warning, and 
array ourselves on the side of Nature, in view of promoting a full 
and free circulation of the blood over the system, so that there 
shall be no excess anywhere ; and the derangement, wherever it 
exists, must next command our attention. 

While inflammation and pain exists, there is hope. Take, for 
example, inflammation of the intestines. While that stage lasts, 
the animal is not in danger; but so soon as inflammation and 
pain ceases, (often accomplished through the means of bleeding 
and narcotism,) we then open up a new page of pathology. In 
the course of a few hours the animal dies. Of what — inflamma- 
tion ? No. He dies of mortification, or gangrene of the bowels. 
Therefore death was not caused by inflammation. 

So in regard to phrenitis (inflammation of the brain). A cer- 
tain amount of pain and activity in the parts are observable ; the 
inflammation may now be attacked after the true Sangrado fash- 
ion ; the inflammation is subdued, but still the minimal is no bet- 
ter. He dies. Of what does he die? Not of inflammation, for 
the autopsy reveals, very often, softening of the brain, and fluid 
is found within the lateral ventricles. Softening of the brain is 
equivalent to gangrene (death of a part). Then, again, horses 
can not be said to die of inflammation when the practitioner de- 
clares that he heroically subdued it some time previous to the 
death of the animal. 

There is no proof that bleeding has any directly beneficial 
influence over the course of inflammations, either external or in- 
ternal. Surgeons never bleed now in external inflammation ; and 
educated and liberal physicians have given up all arguments in 
favor of the practice for internal inflammation. Good, in his 
" Study of Medicine," seems to have given us some definite in- 
formation regarding the effect of blood-letting in inflammation. 



ON THE CAUSES OF DISEASE. 37 

which should agree with the sentiments of all men desiring to see 
veterinary science joined in the march of improvement which is 
now progressing in almost every other department of science and 
industry. " The immediate effect of profuse and repeated bleed- 
ing is exhaustion. While this exhaustion continues there is a 
diminution of action of every kind, and hence an imposing ap- 
pearance of relief to the symptoms of disease ; but it no sooner 
takes place than an instinctive effort is made by the vis medica- 
trix natura to remedy the evil hereby produced, and to restore the 
system to its former balance of power. This balance is called a 
rallying, or reaction of the living principle. The arteries con- 
tract to adapt themselves to the measure of blood that remains ; 
the sensorial organ is roused to the secretion of a large proportion 
of nervous power to supply the inordinate drain that takes place. 
During the general commotion, all is in a state of temporary 
hurry and urgency, and, for the most part, irregularity of action, 
while the instinctive effort is proceeding. And hence, no sooner 
is the immediate effect of prostration and exhaustion overcome 
than the heart palpitates, the pulse beats forcibly with a jerking 
bound, the head throbs, and the eyes flash fire. Now, it often hap- 
pens that these concurrent signs are mistaken for proofs of latent 
or increased vigor, instead of being proofs of accelerated action ; 
and action, too, that adds as largely to the exhaustion as the de- 
pletion that produced it; and the unhappy patient is bled a 
second, a third, and even a fourth time,* till no reaction follows, 
at which time it il strangely supposed that the plethora or inflam- 
matory diatheses is subdued and lulled into a calm, because the 
patient has been so far and fatally drained of the living principle 
that there is no longer any rallying or reactive power remaining, 
and gives up the ghost, in a few hours, to the treatment instead of 
the disease." This is the case with thousands and tens of thou- 
sands of valuable animals that annually die in this country, in 



* My attention was recently called to a valuable stallion, which had lately 
been brought from Nova Scotia. He was attacked with what the attending 
would-be physician called "founder," but which was a pure case of acute rheu- 
matism. In three different bleedings, forty-two pounds of blood had been ab- 
stracted! and I found the patient so weak and prostrated that he was scarcely 
able to stand. It seems to me that every man having the least spark of charity 
for so noble an animal as a horse, should discountenance such outrageous treat- 
ment as this. 



38 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

consequence of our misguided notions of inflammation, and our 
want of knowledge of a suitable remedy to treat it. But a 
brighter day is dawning, and the antiquated notions of disease 
and its treatment are fast giving way to a more rational and suc- 
cessful system ; and the day is not far distant when blood-letting 
for the cure of inflammation will be entirely abandoned. 

It is very gratifying to the author to be able to record that 
many of the progressive medical writers of the present day are 
on the right side of Nature, teaching us that " she is ever busy, 
by the silent operation of her own forces, in the cure of disease;" 
and they are inaugurating a very great and desirable revolution 
in the theory and practice of human as well as veterinary medi- 
cine. 

Nature of Inflammation. — The physical characteristics of in- 
flammation are, as I have just written, redness, heat, pain, and 
sometimes swelling. It is, and always was physiologically, oper- 
ating for the good of humanity and the inferior orders of creation. 
Its curative power none can dispute. We see it, in the form of a 
blush, on the cheek of offended humanity. Friction, injuries, 
poisons and disease, etc., excite Nature to hoist the symbol of dis- 
tress — inflammation. She calls loudly for help, but she does not 
always get it ; and instead of acknowledging her autocracy, and 
furnishing what she wants to use in her own way, viz. : the water, 
oil, and wine of the ancient Samaritans, we offer fire, knife, and 
poison. 

Inflammation being an exalted condition of local arterial cir- 
culation, it can only be excited by some mental emotion, injury, 
loss of function, or by what is known as disease, in parts adjacent 
or remote from its seat. Hence, all diseases of an acute charac- 
ter are preceded and accompanied, to a certain stage or period, by 
inflammation. Hence, also, according to ancient usage and the 
dictum of alma mater, we are constrained to talk and write as 
though inflammation was the great evil or disease which required 
our services; and thus we coquette with Nature by means of 
sharp-edged tools, while the actual disease steals a march on us, 
and we lose the patient in consequence of our want of knowledge. 

Treatment of Inflammation. — Inflammation being more or less 
active, according to the intensity of the disease of which it is a 



ON THE CAUSES OF DISEASE. 



39 



forerunner, or rather an indication, and being accompanied by- 
pain, it becomes our duty merely to restore the equilibrium of the 
circulation. This removes the inflammation, and promotes a free 
and full circulation of the blood all over the system, so that there 
shall be no excess (inflammation) anywhere. This is what we 
call subduing the inflammation, with this difference, however, 
that we resort to natural means and sanative medication instead 
of using the fleam and cathartics. The means are warmth, moist- 
ure, stimulants, and friction ; and clothing to the extremities and 
to parts of the body that are cold ; and cold applications to parts 
that are unnaturally hot. One of the best equalizers of the cir- 
culation is the " Roman bath," the vapor bath, and wet packing. 
Should the inflammation exist internally, then give plenty of 
warm water, emolient drinks, and emolient enemas, and keep up 
a physiological action and heat on the surface of the body by 
means of friction and warm clothing. In this simple way the 
circulation of the blood is equalized, or, in other words, the in- 
flammation is " cured ; " and, at the same time, this treatment may 
cure the disease as well as the inflammation. 




SECTION II. 

DISEASES OF THE EYE. 

Amaurosis, or Glass Eye (Gutta Serena) — Foreign Bodies ■within the Eye- 
lids — Specks, or Film on the Eye, known as Opacity of the Cornea — 
Cataract — Worm in the Eye — Ophthalmia — Treatment of Inflammation — 
Purulent Ophthalmia — Specific Ophthalmia. 

Amaurosis ("Glass Eye" — Gutta Serena.) 

AMAUROSIS is known to most men as " glass eye." Physi- 
cians, however, have named the disease gutta serena. The 
abnormal condition, which consists in dilatation of the pupil, un- 
influenced by light or darkness, is occasioned by paralysis of the 
optic nerve and its ultimate expansion. 

Causes. — Some horses, of an excitable, nervous temperament, 
often become the subjects of dilated pupil, without any assignable 
cause ; while that form of amaurosis occurring among plethoric 
subjects, or those whose digestive organs are deranged or occupied 
by a large quantity of undigested food, (they, the subjects border- 
ing on that state known as stomach staggers,) can easily be ex- 
plained on the well-known law of sympathy. 

We may, however, with propriety, assign a cause for its occur- 
rence in the eyes of nervous, excitable horses ; for this very con- 
dition of the nervous system, which gives rise to the excitability, 
perhaps goes to show that the brain is actually diseased, either in 
function or structure. Animals subject to this affection are gen- 
erally of a " bony," spare, muscular development, and have wiry 
sinews, thin tapering ears, delicate lips and nostrils, diminution 
in the quantity of the hair in the mane and tail, but remarkable 
for compactness of texture. We generally find, under ordinary 
circumstances, the black color preponderates in nervous horses 
over the various shades of equine coloring-matter found in the 
(40) 



DISEASES OF THE EYE. 41 

hair, eyes, etc. I had a case of this kind, and the owner s state- 
ment was as follows : The animal (mare) had been in his posses- 
sion about five years. She had four successive attacks of blindness, 
which had never been treated by a certified surgeon, and it was 
concluded that she must have a periodical attack in spite of all 
efforts to prevent it. Now, this is what we call a case of idio- 
pathic periodical amaurosis, and if it does not owe its origin to 
some hereditary idiosyncracy, it is the result of an abnormal con- 
dition of the brain. 

When our attention shall be called to a case of this character, 
we must bear in mind the fact that this animal survived four 
periodical attacks of the same malady, and performed the ordinary 
duties of a horse, in the intervals of health, with far-seeing eyes, 
and without the aid of science ; and this goes to show that this 
condition of the nervous structure of the eyes of some horses, as 
well as many other diseases incidental to them, are often " self- 
limited," and the subjects will recover, if carefully nursed and 
left unembarrassed by " poisonous drugs." This opinion is in- 
dorsed by some of the most distinguished surgeons of the present 
day. I have no desire to try to saddle the reader with any pecu- 
liar notions of medication emanating from my own fancy or 
brains. I am not offering sensible people a mirror of my own 
reflection, but I wish to present the truth in that mirror, so that 
they may see it and judge for themselves. Excessive medication 
is a quicksand which we must try to avoid. Thousands of well- 
meaning medical aspirants have actually committed professional 
suicide by clinging to the absurd theory of medication as prac- 
ticed in bygone days. The lancet, and many of the heroic medi- 
cines which our predecessors placed great confidence in, and in 
their writings have urged us to use, are now almost discarded. 
It is not because an essential change has taken place in the nature 
of equine maladies, but because we have greater faith in Nature as 
our curative agent, and have become better acquainted with anat- 
omy, pathology, and physiology. 

But to resume the subject of amaurosis. If from the history 
of the case, we have reason to believe that it is of a periodical 
character, and if it be the sequel to, or an accompaniment of, 
some hereditary affection, we may be sure that the malady will 
exist for a certain length of time in spite of all we may do. In 
such cases, all that is necessary is to have the animal comfortably 



42 D'ADD'S veterinary medicine and surgery. 

housed, fed on a light, laxative diet, and pay careful attention to 
the condition of the secretory and excretory functions of the 
body. 

That form of amaurosis occasioned by a deranged condition of 
the digestive organs, plethora, or over-distension of the same, will 
cease so soon as the cause is removed, and may be considered as 
a sympathetic affection. 

What that cause is we must endeavor to decide on by careful 
examination, and then frame our plan of treatment in accordance 
with the indications to be fulfilled. 

Should we consult authorities on amaurosis, we shall find that 
much diversity of opinion exists. Youatt, who is quoted in 
this country by some persons as high authority, has mistaken the 
disease, or else has strangely distorted facts. He contends that 
" the treatment of amaurosis is quite as difficult as that of cata- 
ract." Now, every one knows that cataract occurring among 
horses is notoriously incurable ; and Peectvall writes, " A man 
must be able to perform miracles ere he cures cataract." 

Now, I contend that amaurosis, or dilatation of the pupil, is not 
of itself a disease, but the symptom of one ; hence, between cata- 
ract — a disease resulting from altered structure of the eye — and 
amaurosis there exists no analogy. Whenever altered structure 
exists in the mechanism of the eye, then we have an incurable case. 

Mr. Spooler, the reviser of Youatt's work on the horse, as- 
sures us that amaurosis is often connected with diseased liver, 
thus controverting Youatt's theory of incurability ; for animals 
often recover from very severe attacks of liver disease. 

I have called the attention of our readers to the opinions of 
Youatt, Peecivall, and Spooner merely to show the import- 
ance of exercising our own reasoning faculties. We must not 
place too much confidence in mere book authority, no matter how 
high the source, unless experience and intelligence indorses the 
theory or facts in the case. 

Speculative and false theories are only surface deep. They need 
not the eye of the philosopher, nor the mental genius of a Web- 
ster, in order to discover their flimsy texture and develop the 
truth. Those who propose to do their own thinking have the 
ability to judge between right and wrong. Let us commit to 
memory all matters which appear as facts, and forget the rest. 

Amaurosis can be artificially produced by administering a few 



DISEASES OF THE EYE. 43 

doses of extract of belladonna, and this amaurotic state of the 
pupil is also observed during etherization, and disappears so soon 
as the animal is restored to consciousness. 

Perc'ivall informs us that amaurosis may proceed from some 
abnormal condition of the optic nerve or brain, which may prove, 
as he says, the last link of a series of marked phenomena, origi- 
nating in some remote part of the body, operating sympathetically 
on the nervous system, and, through it, extending to the eye. 
Cases are occasionally met with which may be termed symptomatic 
amaurosis, occasioned by congestion, tumors, or hydrocephalus. 

Symtomatic amaurosis may follow cranial fracture, and, con- 
sequently, depression. In such cases, the skill of the surgeon is 
called into requisition to trephine the uninjured region of the 
skull, in order to elevate the depressed and fractured parts. The 
potent remedy is the removal of the pressure. Amaurosis is oc- 
casionally associated with ansemia. Now, anaemia is a condition 
of the body which indicates a loss of the circulating fluid, either 
of quantity or quality. The remedy for this condition is carbo- 
naceous food, mineral and vegetable tonics. Preparations of iron 
and golden seal are the best remedial agents. 

Symptoms. — I shall now turn the reader's attention, for a mo- 
ment, to some of the symptoms attending the amaurotic condition. 
The head of the patient is elevated, and he is known, in popular 
language, as a " star-gazer." His ears are kept in constant mo- 
tion, one turned backward and the other forward, in quick suc- 
cession, to catch the sound of approaching vehicles, so that he 
may have timely notice of their whereabouts. When started, 
and while walking, the fore-feet are raised from the ground to an 
unnecessary height. This is probably done for the purpose of 
sounding the ground, and, at the same time, of avoiding obstacles 
which may lie in the road ; for the sight is defective, and the 
animal must depend more on the senses of hearing and feeling. 

Should such an animal be attached to a vehicle and left alone 
in the street, we shall observe that when an omnibus or heavy- 
loaded wagon approaches him he becomes restless, and exhibits 
signs of fear. Such are the principal symptoms which usually 
accompany defective sight, or total paralysis of the optic nerve, 
producing amaurosis. 

Treatment — Sympathetic amaurosis should be treated by means 
of antispasmodics and alteratives. One ounce of tincture of assa- 



44 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

fetida may be given every morning, and in the evening, one ounce 
of the fluid extract of sassafras. So soon as the animal regains 
his natural vision, the medicine may be discontinued. 

Foreign Bodies within the Eyelids. 

When foreign bodies, such as small particles of hay or dirt, get 
within the eyelids, they create great pain and uneasiness, and if 
allowed to remain there, produce a very grave form of disease, 
often ending in disorganization and total blindness. Should any 
thing of the kind be discovered, it may be removed by raising 
the upper or depressing the lower lids ; then introduce and ex- 
plore the eyeball by means of a camel's hair pencil, to which the 
foreign body will usually adhere, when it is easily brought away. 
The parts should then be sponged with lukewarm water. After 
the lapse of a few hours, should the membranes of the eye and 
lids appear much reddened, use the following : 

No. 1. Rose water 4 oz. 

Fluid extract of gelserninum 2 dr. 

Put the patient on a diet of sloppy bran mash, and place him 
where the rays of sunlight shall not affect the eye. 

Films or Specks on the Eye, known as Opacity 
of the Cornea. 

Opacity of the cornea sometimes results from injuries ; at others 
the} 7 are symptomatic, and accompany other diseases. They are 
of very common occurrence in the various stages of influenza and 
other catarrhal affections, and sometimes a distinct speck will 
remain long after the disease which gave rise to it has disappeared. 
The author remembers many cases in which the sight has been 
completely destroyed by using substances of a corrosive or stimu- 
lating character. The proper mode of treatment is to bathe the 
eye occasionally with a portion of the following lotion : 

No. 2. Fluid extract of bloodroot 1 oz. x 

Water 8 oz. 

Mix. 

Give the patient one ounce, morning and evening, of fluid 
extract of phytolacca decandra (poke-root). This acts as an 
alterative, and will expedite the cure. 



diseases of the eye. 45 

Cataract. 

Cataract in the horse is usually the result of previous attacks 
of disease. It consists of opacity of the crystalline lens, or the 
capsule of the same. The disease is incurable, because if an opera- 
tion was performed for the breaking-up or depression of the 
cataract, such as is practiced in human medicine, vision would 
still be as imperfect as ever without the aid of magnifying glasses, 
which would be a great inconvenience to the horse, and scarcely 
of any practical service. 

Worm in the Eye. 

Small parasites are occasionally observed in the eyes of horses. 
They float about in the watery humor, often for a great length of 
time, without appearing to do any mischief; yet, being a foreign 
body, they are, to say the least, injurious. The author has never 
seen but one case of worm in the eye, and that occurred in a 
horse, the property of a resident of Chicago. The animal was 
kept on exhibition for the inspection of the curious, and was the 
scource of considerable profit to the owner. It is possible that 
such worm might be extracted by a surgical operation. A writer 
in the " Veterinary Review " thus alludes to this affection : 

" It may also be here noticed that there is a disease which fre- 
quently affects the eyes of horses in India, but which, as far as I 
know, has never been observed in Europe. A worm, which, from 
the description I have received from different people, may be 
compared to the common ascaris, is generated in the anterior 
chamber, and can at times be distinguished swimming about, with 
apparently great vigor, in the aqueous humor. It produces a 
great deal of irritation and inflammation, the effects of which 
ultimately destroy the organ. The natives of India cure the 
disease by making an incision through the cornea, and extracting 
the worm. Though I have never had an opportunity of examin- 
ing an eye affected with this curious disease, the circumstantial 
accounts, from several accurate observers, leave no doubt in my 
mind of its existence; and the fact accords with what is known 
to take place regarding the formation of worms, not only in the 
human body, but more particularly in the liver, lungs, brain, and 
other organs of the inferior animals." 



46 dadd's veterinary medicine and surgery. 

Ophthalmia, or Acute Disease of the Eye. 

This is a very common affection, yet a most painful one, and 
can not well be mistaken. The animal keeps the eyelids closed. 
They are more or less swollen, and the internal surface of the same 
appears very red. There is an unnatural flow of tears running 
down the cheeks. The haw, or nictitating membrane, is swollen 
and very vascular. This condition of the haw is known to some 
persons as the hooks, and serves as an excuse for the performance 
of a barbarous operation, not sanctioned by science or common 
sense, viz. : amputation of the haw, which only aggravates the 
disease, and deprives the horse of a useful appendage to the organs 
of vision. 

In the early stage of this disease, and when scalding tears run 
copiously over the cheeks, we denominate it catarrhal ophthalmia. 
The disease is not of a very serious nature, but often becomes so 
in consequence of the outrageous treatment practiced, such as 
bleeding, purging, and the local application of lunar caustic. 
The proper mode of treatment is to keep the patient on a light 
diet, and occasionally bathe the region of the eye with an infusion 
of poppies or hops ; sometimes with tepid or cold water, as the case 
may seem to indicate, according to the rational judgment of the 
owner of the afflicted animal. It is the very best application that 
can be made, and is much more scientific, according to the dictum 
of the God of Nature, than many of the agents heretofore used. 
The fact is, many indications of disease designated as inflamma- 
tion are curable only through the intervention of time and a 
rational expectancy. Don't do any violence to nature in the 
use of destructive or poisonous agents, and should the case be 
curable, it will terminate favorably under this treatment. Ac^ 
cording to the dictum of the schools of veterinary medicine, 
inflammation of the eye, as well as inflammatory action of other 
parts of the body, has to be treated heroically, which system of 
treatment kills more than it ever cures. As the subject of inflam- 
mation is a very important one, worthy the attention and con- 
sideration of American husbandmen, I here introduce an article 
from the pen of A. S. Copeman, who was formerly associated 
with me in conducting the "Veterinary Institute of Boston," 
Massachusetts : 



DISEASES OF THE EYE. 47 

Treatment of Inflammation. 

" Tt must be admitted by all who contemplate the actual state 
of medical practice at the present day, that the use of blood-let- 
ting and of other antiphlogistic remedies, has, within a recent 
period, greatly declined. According to You att and Percivall, 
such remedies, and more especially blood-letting, were formerly 
highly successful in arresting diseases, in the treatment of which 
we now know they not only fail, but are even highly injurious. 
The inference has been drawn from these supposed facts, that in- 
flammation itself is no longer the same ; that its type has altered 
from an inflammatory to a typhoid character. In short, it seems 
to have been the opinion of certain writers that an advanced 
knowledge of physiology and pathology has had little influence 
in producing this great revolution in our treatment, but that the 
constitutions of animals are fundamentally altered, and that medi- 
cal men were as right in bleeding thirty years ago as they are 
correct in now abstaining from it. In opposition to these views, 
it will be my endeavor to show, 1st, That little reliance can be 
placed on the experience of those who, like Blain, Percivall, 
and Youatt, were unacquainted with both histology and organic 
chemistry, and, per consequence, the nature of inflammations ; 
2d, That inflammation is the same now as it has ever been ; 3d, 
That the principles on which blood-letting and antiphlogistic 
remedies have hitherto been practiced are fallacious, and opposalR 
to pathology ; 4th, That an inflammation once established can 
not be cut short, and that the object of judicious medical practice 
is to conduct it to a favorable termination ; 5th, That all positive 
knowledge of the experience of the past, as well as the more ex- 
act observations of the present day, alike establish the truth of 
the preceding propositions as guides for the future. 

1st Proposition. — That little reliance can be placed on the ex- 
perience of those who, like Blain, Percivall, and Youatt, were 
unacquainted with histology, and, per consequence, the nature of 
inflammations. 

Inflammation, for many years, was generally recognized, espe- 
cially in external parts, by the existence of pain, heat, redness, 
and swelling, and in internal parts by fever, accompanied by 
pain and impeded function of the organ affected. In fact, groups 
of symptoms, in accordance with the nosological systems of the day, 



48 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

constituted inflammation. But the school of morbid anatomy, 
by showing that inflammation was a diseased condition of a part, 
entirely overthrew the errors and confusion inherent in all such 
nosological systems ; while more recent histological research, by 
exhibiting to us that inflammation is, in truth, a disease of nutri- 
tion, governed by the same laws that determine growth and waste 
of the tissues, has united physiology and pathology into our 
science, and has removed our present knowledge still further from 
the traditional errors of the past. Now, if it could be shown that 
the group of symptoms formerly called inflammaticn always in- 
duced the same morbid lesions, former experience might still be 
useful to us. But we contend that this is what clinical observa- 
tion proves to be impossible. Such are the contradictory state- 
ments and the confusion resulting from the unacquaintance of the 
past race of practitioners with a correct diagnosis and pathology, 
that no confidence whatever can be placed in their impressions 
as to what cases were benefited by bleeding. Medicine is not a 
scientific art, which is dependent for its principles on the study 
of a commentary on the older writers. What they thought and 
what they said are not, and ought not, in a question of this kind, 
to be our guide as to what was or is. On the contrary, it is the 
book of Nature, which is open to all, that Ave ought to study ; and 
why should we read it through the eyes of past sages, when the 
light of science was comparatively feeble and imperfect, instead 
of bringing all our improved modern appliances and advanced 
knowledge to elucidate her meaning ? 

2d Prop. — That inflammation is the same now as it has ever 
been. 

The essential nature of inflammation has been already alluded 
to, viz. : a series of changes in the function of a part, terminating 
in exudation or effusion of lymph. Now, what proof is there 
that any of these necessary changes have, of late years, undergone 
any modification ? If a healthy animal receives a blow, or any 
other injury, are the resulting phenomena, in these days, in any 
way different from those which took place in the days of Youatt 
and Percivall? Were the effects which followed wounds in 
1830 different from those which resulted from similar injuries in 
1860? This has not yet been shown. Again : if a healthy horse, 
nowadays, be exposed to wet and cold, and be seized with an 
inflammation of the lung or pleura, is not the lung hepatized in 



DISEASES OF THE EYE. 49 

the one case ? and does not effusion follow in the other, in exactly 
the same way as formerly ? But what should this asserted change 
in the nature and character of inflammation lead us to infer ? It 
is said that inflammation and its results are entirely changed 
within the last thirty years. It is, then, argued that horses, in all 
parts of the world, since the days of Blain, Youatt, and Pee- 
civall, have become so debilitated and deteriorated ; that their 
constitutions have been so altered for the worse; that, attacked 
by the same lesion, and to the same exfent, there is no longer the 
same reaction. If so, where is the evidence of this ? 

For my own part, I have earnestly sought for but can not dis- 
cover a shadow of evidence for such a belief. Moreover, I have 
a most lively remembrance of all the facts and circumstances con- 
nected with the bleeding of hundreds of patients, thirty years ago, 
when I first commenced the study of veterinary medicine, and my 
impression is, that not the slightest difference exists between the 
character of inflammation now and what it was then. 

3d Peop. — That the principles on which blood-letting and anti- 
phlogistic remedies have hitherto been practiced are fallacious and 
opposed to pathology. 

Large and early bleeding have been practiced, under the idea 
that, by diminishing the amount of circulating fluid, 1st, the 
materus morbi in the blood would be diminished ; 2d, less blood 
would flow to the inflamed parts ; 3d, the increased quantity of 
blood in the part would be lessened ; 4th, the character of the 
pulse was the proper index to the amount of blood that ought to 
be drawn. Let us examine a few of these principles of practice. 
The increased throbbing and circulation of blood in an inflamed 
part may be shown not to be the cause of inflammation, but the 
result of it, and that the idea of so-called determination of blood 
to inflamed parts is fallacious. Now, if we attend to what takes 
place in the finger from a thorn entering the skin and remain- 
ing unextracted, we find the irritating body first acts upon the 
cellular constituents — the nerves and blood-vessels of the part; 
then comes on the congestion and exudation, and, lastly, follows 
the throbbing, which is the evidence of so-called determination, 
and result of the inflammation, and not a cause of it. The blood, 
in this case, instead of being sent by a vis a tergo, is, in fact, 
drawn by a vis afronte, and, as we shall endeavor to show, for 
the most important purposes. But why should Nature, in cases 
4 



50 DADDS VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

of inflammation, draw an increased amount of blood toward the 
part? She does so, it seems to us, in obedience to one of her 
wisest laws, but one which has been too much ignored by medical 
practitioners. It must be obvious, however, that an inflamma- 
tion having occurred, the great work now to be accomplished is 
the removal of the exudation — to eliminate from the injured part 
either directly by discharge externally, or by passage into the 
blood, to be finally excreted through the emunctories. In all 
such cases, the blood is not sent or determined, but drawn to the 
part, in consequence of the increased actions going on in them ; 
in short, it is absolutely imperative that the part in which these 
changes go on should receive more blood than in health. But, 
hitherto, medical practitioners have supposed that this phenome- 
non is injurious, and ought to be checked by blood-letting and. 
antiphlogistics. The rapid flow of blood, which is so necessary, 
they have sought to diminish, and the increased amount in the 
neighborhood of the part which is so essential for the restoration 
to health, it has been their object to destroy. In doing so, we 
argue they act in opposition to sound theory, and, as we shall 
afterward attempt to show, good practice, also. 

The inconsistency of the theraupeutical rules on this head will 
become more manifest when we remember that it is necessary, in 
the opinion of many medical practitioners, not only to weaken 
the pulse when it is strong, but to strengthen it when it has been 
made weak. Now, although it is obviously good practice to sup- 
port the strength when the calls upon the nutritive functions 
have exhausted the economy, it is injurious to diminish, by blood- 
letting, the nutritive processes themselves, when they are busily 
engaged in operating on the exudation and eliminating the mor- 
bid products. In short, the phenomena of fever and excitability 
accompanying inflammation have been wrongly interpreted, and 
danger is to be apprehended from them, not directly, but from 
the subsequent exhaustion which all great exertions of the animal 
economy produce. In themselves, these exertions are sanative, 
and indicate the struggle which the economy is engaged in when 
attempting to get rid of the diseased processes ; and whenever we 
lessen the vital powers at such a critical juncture, we diminish 
the chances of that struggle terminating favorably. This propo- 
sition seems to be universally admitted in the case of essential 
fevers, and its truth ought to be accepted equally in inflammation. 



DISEASES OF THE EYE. 51 

It has been argued, however, that the immediate effect of blood- 
letting justifies the practice. But, assuming it is granted that 
in some cases the pain is for a time relieved by bleeding, and 
that in pneumonia the respiration temporarily becomes more free, 
at what a cost are those advantages obtained, should the patient 
be so weakened as to be unable to rally ! Even if he does rally, 
a large bleeding almost always prolongs the disease. Of course, 
we are now speaking of a true pneumonia, and not of that com- 
bination of symptoms commonly called a chill, or lung fever. 

4th Prop. — That an inflammation once established can not be 
cut short, and that the object of judicious medical 'practice is to 
conduct it to a favorable termination. 

There was a time when it was supposed that the progress of 
influenza, distemper, and many other specific fevers which are now 
generally allowed to run their natural course, could be arrested by 
medical interference. But with regard to them has been estab- 
lished the principles, first, of prevention, and, second, when this 
fails, of simply conducting them to a favorable termination. 

It appears to me that the same rule ought to hold with regard 
to internal inflammations, and that this will be admitted when it 
is made apparent, not only that every inflammation, once formed, 
runs through a definite course, but what that course is. This I 
now proceed shortly to consider. If a violent blow or injury has 
been received, a greater or less amount of exudation is infiltrated 
among the contused and torn tissues, which undergo disintegra- 
tion, is absorbed and excreted from. the economy; if not, it col- 
lects, in the form of a fluid, and constitutes an abscess. The 
series of changes here referred to have always been found to be 
best perfected in animals of vigorous constitutions, while in the 
weak, poor, and broken-down they proceed slowly, or not at all. 
Surely, it can not be maintained that in cases similar to the above, 
we can favor the reparative processess by blood-letting and low- 
ering the strength of the economy ? 

But in internal inflammations, say of the lungs or intestines, 
are the processes different ? Certainly not. But because the pro- 
cesses by which Nature relieves herself have been hid from view, 
physicians have supposed that instead of treating the inflamed 
parts, as the surgeon does, he ought to attack the general symp- 
toms which result from the lesion. In cases of fracture and con- 
tusion there are also febrile symptoms, increased pulse, and so on ; 



52 DADDS VETERINARY SURGERY AND MEDICINE. . 

but does the surgeon imagine that callous will form better, or an 
abscess be resolved or reach maturity sooner, by general blood- 
letting and antiphlogistics ? Experience teaches him otherwise; 
and in the same manner it may be most reasonably argued that 
such treatment can not favor the natural termination of internal 
inflammations. 

5th Prop. — That all -positive knowledge of the experience of the 
past, as well as the more exact observation of the present day, alike 
establish the truth of the preceding propositions as guides for the 
future. 

Before it is possible, however, to determine with exactitude the 
value of any practice, it is essential to ascertain the natural dura- 
tion of the disease we propose to treat. Fortunately, we have 
now some data which will enable us to arrive at this information 
with regard to many diseases. We have seen many severe cases 
of pneumonia submitted to homepathic remedies — that no rea- 
sonable medical man can suppose to be any thing else than inert — 
yet most of these cases got well, and, I think, may be considered 
as excellent studies of the disease left entirely to Nature. Many 
years' experience and close observation have convinced me that 
uncomplicated pneumonia, especially in young and vigorous con- 
stitutions, almost always gets well, if, instead of being lowered, 
the vital powers are supported, and the excretion of effete pro- 
ducts assisted. It is in exactly these cases, however, that we were 
formerly enjoined to bleed most copiously, and that our systematic 
works even now direct us to draw blood largely, in consequence 
of the supposed imminent danger of suppuration destroying the 
texture of the lung. Such danger is altogether illusory, and the 
destruction to lung tissues, so far from being prevented, is far 
more likely to be produced by the practice. In fact, the only 
cures in which it occurs are in the aged or enfeebled constitutions, 
in which nutrients, and not antiphlogistics, are the remedies indi- 
cated. We can, however, readily understand how blood-letting, 
practiced early, and in young and vigorous constitutions, does less 
harm, or, to use a common expression, is "borne better," than 
when the disease is advanced, or the patient weak, and this be- 
cause then the vital powers are less affected by it. But that it 
cures the greater number of animals attacked, or shortens the 
duration of the disease, is disproved by every fact with which we 
are acquainted. Before closing, we have a few words to offer on 



DISEASES OF THE EYE. 53 

1 mercurials.' The confident belief in their power of causing ab- 
sorption of lymph, by operating on the blood, is not only opposed 
to sound theory, but, like blood-letting, is not supported by ex- 
perience, which has been so confidently appealed to in their favor. 
I can not, therefore, resist the conclusion that the principles which 
led to an antiphlogistic practice in inflammation were erroneous, 
and are no longer in harmony with the existing state of pathology. 
I think it has been further shown, that in recent times our success 
in treatment has been great just in proportion as we have aban- 
doned ' heroic remedies,' and directed our attention to furthering 
the natural progress of the disease. 

Internal inflammations are cured, not by bleeding and drugs, 
but by a natural process as distinct and definite as the process of 
normal nutrition. What we may do by our interference, may 
either aid, promote, and even accelerate, this natural tendency to 
get well, or it may very seriously impair and retard, and even 
altogether stop, that salutary process. If, then, this view of the 
nature of the means by which inflammation is resolved in internal 
organs be correct, it is not unreasonable to assume that a very de- 
pressed state of vital power is unfavorable to the healing process. 

Indeed, if you watch those cases in which nothing at all has 
been done, or in which nothing has been done to lower the vital 
powers, you will find that the mere inflammatory process itself, 
especially in an organ so important as the lung, depresses the 
strength of the patient each day more and more. You will per- 
ceive, then, that, according to these views, there are strong a priori 
reasons in favor of the policy of upholding our patients, even in 
the earliest stages of acute diseases, by such food as may be best 
suited to their digestive organs, such as is most readily assimi- 
lated, and calls for the least effort, the smallest expenditure of 
vital force for its primary digestion — nutritive matters, tea, 
sweetened milk, etc., and also alcohol, which is directly absorbed, 
and tends to keep up the heat of the body. 

If, then, it has been satisfactorily shown, in consequence of our 
advanced knowledge of diagnosis and pathology, that an anti- 
phlogistic practice is opposed to the cure of diseases, it follows that 
many of the principles which have hitherto guided us in their 
treatment must be considerably modified. That medical practice 
has undergone a great revolution during the last fifteen years, is 
a fact already so well established that it can be no longer denied. 



54 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

In my discourse on inflammation, reference was made to the 
views held by the c neuro-pathologists.' ■ Now, nervous pathology 
has been in medicine the ' great scape-goat' upon which more 
professional sins have been heaped than any other. 'Nervous 
exhaustion/ nervous irritation, etc., are a few of the many terms 
with which we seek to cloak our ignorance of the real nature of 
many disorders, the intimate nature of which is beyond our ken. 
Many accomplished practitioners still maintain that abnormal, 
vital phenomena may be, and are likely to be, occasioned by 
dynamic aberrations alone, and that such phenomena are cor- 
rectly designated as functional disease. We can not concur in 
this opinion. What is called force of every description is con- 
nected with, if not dependent on, changes in the atoms of matter. 
Force is the hypothetic agent which underlies the phenomena of 
material change : and to affirm that dynamic modifications of vital 
function may exist without alteration of material organization, is 
to ignore the fundamental principles of philosophic physiology. 
All diseases, therefore, in our opinion, is organic, even mental 
and nervous diseases of every kind and form. Not a thrill of 
sensation can occur, not a flashing thought or a passing feeling 
can take place, without changes in the living organism ; much less 
can diseased sensation, thought, or feeling occur without such 
changes — changes which we are not able to detect, and which we 
may never be able to demonstrate, but which we are, nevertheless, 
certain of. For, whether we adopt the theory that the states and 
things which we call heat, electricity, vitality, etc., are distinct 
entities of what is called 'imponderable' matter, or the far more 
probable theory that they are only phenomena belonging to 
ordinary ponderable matter, an atom or a cell, charged with 
electricity or heat, or in a state of chemical activity, is essentially 
in a different condition to a cell or an atom in chemical or elec- 
trical equilibrium with surrounding substances. Organic actions 
can not exist without corresponding changes' in material con- 
dition. The only force capable of explaining any of the phe- 
nomena of life is the chemical one, and this only in a state of 
constant activity and interminable change. In disease, the chemi- 
cal composition of the cells, or general matter, is altered from the 
standard of health, and this alteration of chemical composition is 
the real groundwork of organic disease. Those abnormal states 
which depend upon an altered condition of the blood, are not less 



DISEASES OF THE EYE. 55 

strictly organic than all other diseases ; for not only can no change 
take place in the composition of the blood without in some de- 
gree affecting all parts which are nourished by it, but that this 
fluid is, strictly speaking, itself a living organism, and every 
change which takes place therein is organic. Life can not be 
arrested without material change in the organs necessary to life. 
Every autopsy in which we fail to discover these changes, proves 
merely that our knowledge of life and death is defective, not that 
the changes do not exist." 

Pueulent Ophthalmia. 

Purulent ophthalmia takes its name from the profuse discharge 
of pus, or matter, which escapes from the eyelids. In regard to 
the human subject, the authorities contend that there are several 
varieties of this malady prevalent in man, one of which, the Egypt- 
ian ophthalmia, is contagious ; but no such disease was ever known 
to occur among horses. 

Causes. — The various maladies which affect the eyes sometimes 
owe their origin to accidents; at other times they occur in badly 
ventilated stables, where a large number of horses are congregated 
together, and then they are supposed to be contagious. But it ap- 
pears that there is no necessity, in such case, to advance the theory 
of contagion, by way of explanation of the outbreak ; for the same 
cause which produced the malady in the first horse would be more 
or less operative in all the rest. A hot, foul atmosphere has a 
very bad effect on the eyes of both men and horses. The mem- 
brane lining the eyelids, which also covers the eyeball, is very vas- 
cular and sensitive, and is extremely susceptible to irritation from 
the action of the ammoniacal gases which prevail in foul stables; 
hence, in order to prevent the disease, proper attention must be 
paid to ventilation and cleanliness. 

Treatment. — For the treatment of purulent ophthalmia the au- 
thor recommends the following lotion : 

No. 3. Powdered chlorate of potass -| oz. 

Fluid extract of matico 1 oz. 

Water 8 oz. 

Mix. 

A portion of this lotion should be applied to the eyes, by means 
of a soft sponge, two or three times a day ; the eyes as well as the 



56 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

lids must, however, be previously cleansed with lukewarm water. 
The patient should have a few doses of fluid extract of poke-root. 
About half an ounce of the extract, night and morning, will suffice, 
which will act as an alterative. 



Specific Ophthalmia. 

This form of disease affects animals periodically, and is depend- 
ent on some peculiar predisposition; hence it may be termed 
hereditary. 

Symptoms. — There usually comes on very suddenly, perhaps in 
a single night, a great tenderness in one eye, commonly marked by 
the eyelids being shut, a copious secretion of tears, the white of the 
eye appearing slightly red, and the whole anterior chamber of the 
eye dim and clouded, there being no distinct speck on the cornea, 
as takes place in the common inflammation of the eye. The red- 
ness of the eyeball is never very remarkable, even though the 
disease assumes its most aggravated form ; but the dimness of the 
anterior chamber increases rapidly, and in two or three days, or 
even a shorter period, a yellow spot appears at the bottom of that 
cavity, arising from the formation of pus. Sometimes the quantity 
of pus is very considerable, and I have seen it fill at least two- 
thirds of the anterior chamber. After lasting one, two, or three 
weeks, the inflammation and watering usually begin gradually to 
subside. The pus, though in very large quantity, is sometimes 
almost entirely absorbed, so that scarcely any vestige is to be seen ; 
and in other instances thin webs of opaque matter remain, which 
destroy the transparency and luster of the eye, and which, by their 
adhesion to the edges of the pupil, interfere with its motions and 
destroy its form. 

It is astonishing how acute dealers in horses are in discovering 
an eye which has had an attack of this kind. 

Sooner or later, while the horse appears in a state of perfect 
health, the eye is again attacked, the disease being accompanied by 
the same symptoms, making a similar progress, and having the 
same termination, while each new attack is accompanied with the 
deposition of more and more opaque matter. These attacks suc- 
ceed each other at very different, and sometimes at very distant, 
intervals, until the whole pupil is filled with an opaque white 
matter, and the sight of the eye completely destroyed. 



DISEASES OF THE EYE. 



57 



During this progress, the disease is often confined to one eye ; at 
least one eye is usually much more severely affected than the other. 
In some cases the two eyes are simultaneously affected, and, finally, 
by a succession of attacks, the horse becomes completely blind. 
The probability is, that after a horse has suffered several times 
from periodical attacks he will finally become blind. 

Treatment. — The same treatment as recommended for common 
inflammation of the eye is applicable to this complaint. 




SECTION III. 

DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

Abscess within the Substance of the Brain — Hydrocephalus, or Dropsy of 
the Brain — Stomach Staggers — Apoplexy, or Cerebral Hemorrhage— 
-Apoplexy of Spine, or Spinal Hemorrhage, producing Paraphlegia — 
Epilepsy, or Fits — Tetanus — Vertigo — Acute or General Disease of the 
Brain, known as Encephalitis — Sleepy Staggers — Cerebral Meningitis — 
Chorea, or Stringhalt. 

Abscess within the Substance of the Brain. 

THE author, having some doubts about the curability of abscess 
within the brain, can not offer the reader much encourage- 
ment as regards the cure ; yet, for the purposes of research, and in 
view of prosecuting our Samaritan-like calling on a noble and 
valuable animal, it is proper that the reader be put in possession 
of the facts in the case. The symptoms and morbid conditions 
connected with various forms of brain disease are, at the present 
state of our knowledge, very obscure. Even in human practice, the 
authorities contend that the subject of symptoms and conditions is 
full of uncertainty and apparent irregularity. Doubtless there is 
some constant and uniform connection of cause and effect between 
the altered physical states of the brain and the altered manifesta- 
tions of its functions, but we have not yet been successful in our 
search after those settled relations, nor have we but partial and 
imperfect glimpses of them. 

Causes. — It is probable that the same causes which produce 
abscess in other parts of the body, not clearly traceable to local 
injuries, are operative in regard to the brain. Abscess is, as a 
matter of course, always preceded by an active stage, known as 
inflammatory, and when not called into existence by local injury, 
must depend on both predisposing and exciting causes. The pre- 
disposition lurks in breed, and the exciting causes may be among 
(58) 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 59 




A HORSE BENT ON MISCHIEF— THE SUBJECT OF PHBENITIS. 



those which produce disorder in the digestive function or organs. 
It is well known, however, that this, like some other diseases of 
the brain, is constantly occurring among members of the human 
family as well as the equine species, they being the subjects of 
constitutional defect in the form of scrofula. Derangement of the 
digestive organs almost always affect the brain, inconsequence of 
sympathetic relations existing between the two. Hence, in view of 
preventing disease of the brain, we must keep the stomach in good 
working order, by means of an intelligent system of dietetics, and 
the exhibition of sanative medicines when they seem to be needed. 
Symptoms. — The observable symptoms of abscess within the bran 
do not differ materially from those which are present in dropsy of 
the brain. In the early stage, the animal appears lethargic, sleepy, 
and, when urged to move, reels and comes near falling. The head 
is usually somewhat depressed, yet it is often inclined to one side : 
the pupil of the eye is dilated, and the membranes of the lids are 
congested and reddened. As the disease advances, a state of torpor 
sets in. Blindness, from pressure on the brain, ensues ; the animal 
gets upon the floor, soon abrades the skin from the regions of the 
hips and shoulders, until, as a matter of charity, the owner puts 
an end to the sufferings of the patient. 



60 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

The lethargic condition, therefore — dilated pupils, torpor, and 
reeling of the animal — indicate this serious difficulty in the sub- 
stance of the brain or its cavities. 

Treatment. — Should the surgeon or the proprietor of the affected 
animal desire to attempt a cure, the author recommends the following : 

No. 4 Fluid extract of stillingia, (queen's-root,) 4 oz. 

Fluid extract of bloodroot 3 oz. 

Powdered iodide of potass 1 oz. 

Water 6 oz. 

Dissolve the iodide iu the water, and then add the stillingia and 
bloodroot. 

Dose, two ounces, twice daily. Local treatment in this malady 
does not amount to much, if any thing at all, for the only way in 
which the matter within the brain can be got rid of, if got rid of 
at all, is by exciting the absorbents to action, so that the matter may 
be absorbed. At the same time, alteratives are to be used ; and, for 
this purpose, the above prescription is recommended. 

Hydrocephalus (Dropsy of the Brain). 

Hydrocephalus is the termination of some disorder in the brain 
itself, or the membranes surrounding it ; yet some medical writers 
contend that dropsy is rather a symptom of disease than disease in 
itself. It may be so in some cases, which constitutes the exception 
to a general rule ; but the author regards dropsy of the brain as 
the last stage of organic disease of that organ. On the dissection 
of the brain of some horses that have died of this malady, scrofu- 
lous tubercles are often found in the substance of the brain, and 
tubercular deposits also manifest themselves on the membranes cov- 
ering the brain. In fact, the pathological appearance revealed on 
dissecting the brain of a horse which has died of hydrocephalus 
does not differ from that found in the human subject. Condie says : 

" Tubercles, varying in size from that of a pin's head to that of 
a pea, are very generally found scattered irregularly over the sur- 
face of the pia mater, following it between the convolutions. Occa- 
sionally, however, they occur in distinct patches of an inch or more 
in extent. They are commonly hard and semi-transparent ; some- 
times opaque, and of a whitish, grayish, or yellowish color. They 
are found upon all parts of the surface, the convex and lateral por- 
tions as well as the base, in the infractuosities of the convolutions, 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 61 

and in the fissures. According to Rilliet and Barthez, they are 
more frequent upon the convex surface of the hemispheres than at 
the base. Dr. Hamernjh found them more frequently at or near 
the base of the brain. They are much more abundant upon the 
brain than upon the cerebellum. They are met with, also, imbed- 
ded in the gray matter of the brain, and are here often surrounded 
by a halo of redness, usually connected with an enlarged vessel, 
ramifying from the pia mater. More rarely, tubercles are detected in 
the medullary portion of the brain, where they are often overlooked, 
in consequence of their pale, semi-transparent, yellowish tint. The 
plexus choroides is, also, often covered with tubercles. They are 
very commonly met with, likewise, on the serous membranes of 
the thorax and abdomen, in the lungs, and occasionally in the sub- 
stance of the liver. In twenty-seven out of thirty-three cases of 
hydrocephalus, Barthez and Rilliet found tubercles or granula- 
tions associated with inflammation of the pia mater ; in four cases 
the meningitis was unattended by any trace of tubercular deposition 
in the encephalon ; and in two cases the granulations, or meningial 
tubercles, were unattended with any traces of inflammation. In all 
the thirty-three cases the symptoms were nearly identical." 

Causes. — Among the causes of this disease, therefore, we may 
consider the scrofulous diathesis as being the most potent; yet we 
can not always prove the fact until after the death of our patient. 
Yet an autopsy held on such a case is really valuable to the inquiring 
mind ; for, in discovering the true pathology of the affection, we are 
not only enabled to comprehend its character, but also the modus 
operandi of treatment. 

The exciting causes of the malady are not always so apparent. 
The author has known it to follow castration, puncture of the foot, 
staggers, and acute disease of the stomach. 

In some cases, faulty nutrition is the exciting cause; in short, 
the symptoms sometimes supervene on the subsidence of some 
other malady. 

Symptoms. — As regards the symptoms of hydrocephalus, they do 
not differ materially from those alluded to in the preceding article. 
At first, torpor, unconsciousness, unsteadiness on moving; dilation 
of the pupil ; the animal gets upon the floor, in many cases never 
to rise again. Stertorous (grunting) breathing takes place ; the ani- 
mal tosses his head about in an unnatural manner, often throwing 
it backward — a very noticeable feature of this affection — occasion- 



62 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

ally raising it from the ground. Finally, convulsions set in, and 
the subject dies in that state, perfectly unconscious. 

When hydrocephalus occurs after phrensy, or what is known as 
" mad staggers," it always proves fatal. 

Treatment. — For the treatment of hydrocephalus give the fol- 
lowing : 

No. 5. Fluid extract of buchu 4 oz. 

Water 6 oz. 

Iodide of potass 2 oz. 

Mis. 

Dose, two ounces, morning and evening. 

The patient should have injections of soap-suds, once or twice 
daily ; and should the disease have made its appearance very sud- 
denly, or, in other words, be of an acute character, so that the parts 
in the region of the brain feel hot, they should be then sponged very 
frequently with cold water j then give two drachms of fluid extract 
of gelseminum twice daily, until the pulse feels soft, or until the 
acute stage subsides. 

Stomach Staggers. 

The cerebral disease usually denominated stomach staggers pre- 
vails among horses which are overfed, whereby the function of 
digestion becomes deranged ; and thus the food given accumulates, 
and finally gorges the stomach, producing cerebral derangement, 
which makes the horse reel and stagger like a drunken man. The 
horse may be said to be drunk from the effect of food. Sometimes 
the cause is accidental. A horse gets loose in the stable, and, find- 
ing a lot of meal or oats incautiously exposed, he devours vora- 
ciously a large quantity, and very soon after becomes the subject 
of stomach staggers. 

Symptoms. — A stomach surcharged with food, without any ac- 
companying distension, does not appear to occasion any local pain, 
but operates with that kind of influence upon the brain which gives 
rise to symptoms, not stomachic, but cerebral; hence the analogy 
between this disease and staggers, and the appellation for it of 
" stomach staggers." The unnaturally-filled stomach produces, for 
the first time, a sense of satiety ; the horse grows heavy and drowsy, 
reposes his head upon the manger, falls asleep, and makes a ster- 
torous noise. All at once he rouses from his lethargy, and violently 
thrusts his head against the rack or wall of the stable, or any thing, 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 63 

in fact, that happens to oppose him, and in this posture paws with 
his fore-feet, or performs the same action with them as he would 
were he trotting, evidently all the while unconscious of what he is 
about. His eye, which at first was full of drowsiness, has now 
acquired a wild, unmeaning stare, or has already become dilated 
and insensible to light. The respiration is tardy and oppressed; 
the pulse slow and sluggish ; the excretions commonly diminished. 

The late Professor Coleman used to relate a circumstance, in 
his lectures, connected with this disease, which throws considerable 
light on its origin. The artillery horses stationed in London dur- 
ing the winter of 1817 suffered very considerably from stomach 
staggers ; so much so that it was considered to be endemical, and 
of an infectious character. With his usual penetration, he soon 
discovered the cause, and found that, from some new regulations 
about that time, the stablemen were not allowed any candles, and 
during the winter the horses were bedded up at five o'clock in the 
evening, and not fed again until eight o'clock on the following 
morning, when they consumed their breakfast voraciously, gorging 
their stomach, not to the degree likely to produce acute indiges- 
tion, but sufficiently distending them as to oppress the blood-vessels 
and the circulation through them. This practice, continued day 
after day, caused a specific inflammation of the stomach — an inflam- 
mation of a peculiar character, differing from gastritis or inflam- 
mation of the part. The symptoms produced were regarded as 
resulting from the sympathetic connection between the stomach 
and the brain, united to the effects that would arise from the daily 
distension, throwing a vast quantity of blood on the brain. An 
order was obtained for candles for the use of the stablemen, which 
enabled the horses to be fed at a later hour in the evening, and an 
earlier one in the morning, when the disease disappeared. 

A common error still prevails, in many districts, that staggers is 
a contagious disease ; but should the horses on a farm be attacked 
occasionally with slight fits of this kind, the farmer may rest 
assured that there is mismanagement somewhere in the feeding 
department. 

From such evidence as this, it will be inferred that there exists 
no doubt regarding the cause of stomach staggers. 

Treatment. — We now propose to show how this disease ought to 
be treated. The proposition of cure is, that the digestive function 
shall be aroused, and the only way to accomplish that is by admin- 



64 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

istering bitter tonics and stimulants. In this view, the following 
prescription is offered : 

No. 6. Fluid extract of black pepper 4 oz. 

Fluid extract of ginger 6 oz. 

Hyposulphite of soda 2 oz. 

Water 4 oz. 

Dissolve the hyposulphite in the water, then add the pepper and 
ginger. Give the animal a wine-glassful every four hours. A 
stimulating injection may be thrown into the rectum occasionally, 
composed of a handful of fine salt to about four quarts of water. 

The animal should be allowed to stand quietly in the stall, and 
the medicine must be given with care, for the least excitement may 
augment the cerebral difficulty. So soon as the medicine arouses 
the digestive function, and the food gradually passes the pylorus 
into the intestines, the animal will obtain relief. Both food and 
water should be withheld until there is some marked improvement ; 
the patient has had enough of food for some time, and water only 
retards digestion. 

Apoplexy (Cerebral Hemorrhage). 

As regards the cause of apoplexy, the author has nothing to 
offer, except he has noticed that the subjects of this affection gen- 
erally have short, thick necks, and, as the saying is, " chunky " 
heads. From this he infers that, in so far as conformation is con- 
cerned, there lurks in the system of such animals a peculiar pre- 
disposition. 

Symptoms. — An animal may be on the road, trotting along as 
usual, without any apparent impairment of health, when suddenly 
he falls down ; the pupils of the eyes become dilated ; stertorous 
breathing sets in ; a deprivation of the sense of feeling and of mo- 
tion immediately occurs; a tremulous motion of various parts of 
the body is observed; the pulse beats with unnatural force, yet 
the animal appears to be in a deep, snoring sleep. It may be said 
that the functions of animal life are suspended, excepting those of 
respiration and pulsation. The animal is unable to swallow, and if 
fluids be put into the mouth, they appear to choke him, or they 
run out again at the corners of his mouth. The prognosis of apo- 
plexy is very uncertain. Some horses die in a few hours, while 
others live for several days. This depends on the amount of blood 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 65 

extravasated on the surface of the brain ; but, in most cases of 
cerebral hemorrhage, the horse falls never to rise again. He may 
be conveyed home on some vehicle constructed for the purpose, but 
the finger of Death is on him ; his days are numbered, and the 
owner charitably puts him out of existence. 

The reader must bear in mind that in apoplexy the horse falls, 
and is suddenly deprived of all voluntary motion ; is insensible to 
the prick of a pin, and the breathing, so soon as he is on the 
ground, becomes stertorous. This disease, therefore, is not to be 
confounded with others of the brain and spinal marrow. For 
example, a horse may have an attack of simple apoplexy without 
hemorrhage, fall down, and, by judicious treatment, recover; or 
he may be the subject of epilepsy, which occasions a temporary 
suspension of consciousness, with spasms recurring at intervals. 
Hence, in case of doubt or mistake, it will be advisable to treat 
the case in the following manner : 

Treatment. — Procure a few ounces of spirits of ammonia, with 
which saturate a sponge, then apply it to the nostrils. In the mean 
time, sponge the head with cold water, and rub the body and limbs 
briskly with a brush or whisp of straw. If he revive under this 
treatment, there may be some hopes of recovery; and should it 
appear that the act of swallowing can be performed, give a drench 
composed of 

No. 7. Powdered chlorate of potass 2 oz. 

Boiling water -| pint. 

When cool, administer. The action of chlorate of potass on the 
blood is to oxygenize it, and thus liberate carbonic acid gas. 
With the same object in view, we apply ammonia to the nostrils, 
viz. : to decarbonize unpurified blood. 

Blood-letting is inadmissible, for it can not accomplish any 
good ; neither will it act as a purificator of the vital current which 
the lungs have failed to arterialize. 

Apoplexy of the Spine, (or Spinal Hemorrhage, 
producing Paraplegia.) 

Paraplegia signifies paralysis of the posterior half of the body. 
Spinal apoplexy may be classed in the same order of disease as 
cerebral apoplexy — that is to say, in so far as the pathology of the 
two forms is concerned — and is usually just as fatal. 
5 



66 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Causes. — These are very obscure, except in cases of fracture of 
the spine, or injury to the same, by falling. Then the disease is 
accounted for. It always ends in paraplegia — palsy of hind limbs. 

Symptoms. — The disease is usually sudden in its attack. A pro- 
fuse perspiration ushers it in ; next, the hind limbs fail to support 
the body, and the animal makes desperate efforts to support him- 
self, and gradually crouches and falls to the ground, unable, per- 
haps, ever to get up again. 

It has been noticed that paraplegia may also be occcasioned by 
effusion of serum within the coverings of the spinal cord ; yet we 
can not demonstrate the fact only by autopsy ; and if we could, I 
fear that medicine would be of little value. However, if it is the 
owner's wish that the case should be' treated, then the same course 
as recommended for cerebral apoplexy must be pursued. 

Epilepsy — Fits. 

Epilepsy consists of a temporary suspension of consciousness. 
This disease, if properly managed, is not often fatal. It varies in 
duration. Sometimes a horse will suddenly fall, lose all sensibility 
and consciousness, exhibit spasmodic contraction of the voluntary 
muscles, go into convulsions, recover, and get up again in the course 
of ten minutes ; or he may lie on the ground and have a succession 
of paroxysms, which may last for half an hour or more. If pro- 
tracted beyond an hour or so, the patient is very apt to die. Ac- 
cording to the best authority, "the functions that are affected in 
this disease are functions of the brain. Sensation, thought-, and mo- 
tion, regulated by the will, are the natural functions of that organ.' 
The temporary abeyance of sensibility, thought, and volition,* and 
violent and irregular action of the muscles, which are thus with- 
drawn from the government of the will, constitute a paroxysm of 
epilepsy." 

The fit is generally brought on by a derangement in the relation 
between the arterial and venous circulation within the head and a 
temporary pressure on the brain; in other words, a determination 

* Horses think and reason just as man does. Their manifestations of mind do 
not differ from ours in kind, but only in degree. "The noble and daring war- 
horse, when he sniffs the distant field of blood, neighing for joy, instils a desper- 
ate courage into the veteran trooper's quailing heart, gives evidence of a soul, 
the proper attribute of man." 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 67 

of blood to the head. After the horse has fallen, by his struggles 
and herculean efforts to battle with the malady, although uncon- 
ciously, he soon breaks out into a profuse perspiration. This has 
the effect of relaxing the capillaries so that the blood circulates more 
freely and uniformly. A"n equilibrium of the circulation takes place, 
and this is the end of epilepsy for the time being. But a horse once 
having had a fit of this kind must be looked upon with suspicion ; 
for he is liable, when under excitement from wanton punishment, 
or from exercising great feats of strength in drawing heavy loads, 
to have a re-attack. 

Cause. — The predisposing cause of epilepsy has an hereditary 
origin. Horses subject to it have a misshapen head. It is not 
symmetrical — does not correspond with the conformation of the 
neck and body. In the language of the turf, "the head is too 
coarse." It has been found, also, among members of the human 
family, that epileptics have heads of an unnatural shape. Wat- 
son says : " There is no doubt that a tendency to epileptic disease 
is frequently hereditary. It may be bequeathed from parent to 
child, or it may skip over a generation or two, and appear in the 
grandchild or great-grandchild ; or it may be traceable only in the 
collateral branches of the ancestry." Epilepsy, however, may not 
always arise as an hereditary affection ; for a mere passive conges- 
tion of the brain, owing to a loss of equilibrium in the circulation 
of the blood, may produce it. In regard to the horse, it is very 
difficult for us to decide on the universal hereditariness of the 
malady, because we have no reliable history of the ancestry and 
idiosyncrasies of our equine patients ; yet if we study carefully the 
external conformation of well-formed horses, and make ourselves 
conversant with anatomy, we shall be better able to judge whether 
or no such an animal carries about with him the inherent tenden- 
cies to particular diseases ; and this knowledge will make up, to a 
certain extent, for the advantage which human medicine has over 
the veterinary in this department of knowledge. The principal 
symptoms of epilepsy are as follows : 

Symptoms. — Suppose the horse attached to a vehicle, and trav- 
eling along at any given pace. He gives a sudden, snorting, 
loud noise, and falls to the ground instantly, as if felled by some 
unknown power. Here he lies, to all appearance, totally uncon- 
scious, violently convulsed in every limb, his eyes staring as 
though they would burst out of their sockets ; the mouth foams 



68 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

with saliva, and violent convulsions will sometimes affect the 
whole frame. Such are the principal symptoms attending this 
formidable malady. 

It will be quite a novelty to some of our readers to be in- 
formed that the horse is actually subject to the same diseases 
which afflict his master ; and in view of showing that there is a 
reality in the author's views on the subject now under considera- 
tion, the following quotation from the "Veterinarian" is offered. 
It will show, by way of comparison, the features of the disease 
as it occurs in the horse and in man : 

" In the first place, as to the exciting cause or causes. It is 
well known that among the exciting causes of epilepsy in the 
human subject, mental or moral emotions have long been con- 
sidered as holding a foremost rank. Without going into detail 
on this subject, or offering illustrations of this statement, it will 
suffice to remark that the experience of all adequately acquainted 
with medical literature, or tolerably familiar with medical prac- 
tice, cam not fail to supply them with numerous instances wherein 
this class of causes has been in operation as concerned in the pro- 
duction of the disease in question. Over and over again I have 
myself witnessed cases of epilepsy, either during or after the par- 
oxysm or fit, in which 1 have had good reason for entertaining 
the opinion that certain mental or moral emotions had largely, 
if not entirely, contributed to this result. Now, without deny- 
ing that, in some instances, fright may so far affect the horse as 
to prove an exciting cause of epilepsy in that animal, still, I 
think that, almost as a general rule, the class of causes now 
under consideration may be excluded from further notice as tend- 
ing toward the production of this disease in the horse. 

Assuming this position for the sake of argument, we thus 
eliminate at once, so far as concerns this animal, most of such 
cases of epilepsy as, if speaking in reference to the human sub- 
ject, would be regarded as cases of epilepsy of centric origin. 
Without altogether denying that, in some instances, the presence 
of tumors, or morbid growths, or excrescences of any kind, or 
of spiculse of bone in certain parts of the brain, or spinal cord, 
or their membranes, may occasionally operate as causes of epi- 
lepsy, yet I am by no means prepared to admit that their pres- 
ence in such places, by irritation of these structures, is so frequent 
a cause of this disease as is affirmed by some medical authorities. 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 69 

Yet, whatever view of the question, whether affirmative or nega- 
tive, may be taken, the same reasoning will apply equally to man 
and the horse in regard to the disease under consideration. \Ve 
are told that, in some instances, such foreign bodies have been 
found in these situations on examination after death. This I do 
not deny ; but, at the same time, the evidence that these had 
much, if any thing, to do in the production of epilepsy, still less 
that the disease took its origin from them, is, in my judgment, 
far from complete, and, in some cases that have been recorded, 
unsatisfactory to the last degree. Again, the circulation of blood 
in an unhealthy state, in its accustomed channels through the 
substance of the delicately-constructed brain or spinal cord, appears 
to me not unlikely to be a frequent cause of this disease in man. 
The comparatively recent physiological researches of Dr. Brown- 
Sequard have thrown much light upon the heretofore obscure 
pathology of epilepsy in the human subject ; and I conceive that 
his arguments, and the conclusions deduced therefrom, are, for the 
most part, perfectly applicable to an animal so high in the zoolog- 
ical series as the horse is well known to be." 

Treatment. — So soon as the horse falls, some hay or straw should 
be placed under his head and around him. Bathe the region of 
the cranium with cold water, and carefully wash the foam from his 
mouth, taking care not to let any water, hay, or dirt enter the 
nostrils. Officious persons are very apt to attempt, by force of 
strength, to raise the horse on his legs ; but this ought not to be 
done. Let him rest quietly until consciousness returns; then, 
should he attempt to get up, help from the bystanders may then 
be of some service. When on his legs, deal gently with him. Let 
the external surface of the body be rubbed until the skin is dry; 
then administer two ounces of fluid extract of valerian, and let 
the patient be provided with comfortable quarters. For a few 
days the patient should be excused from work, and be fed lightly. 
The only way to prevent a re-attack is to keep him at light work, 
and treat him in the most gentle manner, both in the stable and 
out of it. 

In cases of this character, as well as many others, men are apt 
to place too much confidence in medicine, and dose the animal ac- 
cordingly ; but, as we understand the practice of medicine, it is the 
province of the good physician to know when to do nothing. 



70 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Tetanus. 

We recognize tetanus by the unnatural condition of the muscles 
of various parts of the body, more particularly those of the face 
and neck. But the fault lies not in the muscles, but in the nervous 
system. This disease constitutes one of the most terrible and fatal 
to which the horse is subject. It is not only frightful to look upon, 
but is productive of the most distressing agony to the animal. 




THE TEST FOB TETANUS OR LOCKED-JAW. 

Explanation.— On placing a hand under the angle of the jaw, and pushing the head in an upward 
direction, the nictitating membrane (haw) will be suddenly thrown partly over the pupil, aa 
seen in the above picture. This is the diagnostic symptom of tetanus. 

There is no difficulty in recognizing this disease. It is charac- 
terized by involuntary and persistent cramps of the voluntary 
muscles. The muscles which seem first to be affected are those of 
the jaws, neck, and throat; and soon all the other muscles are in- 
volved. One of the principal tests for the discovery of the disease 
is to place a hand under the jaw and raise the head. Immediately 
the haw, or nictitating membrane, shoots over the eyeball. (See 
cut.) There is no other disease with which tetanus can be con- 
founded ; therefore, a minute description of the symptoms seems 
superfluous at this point of our argument. 

When the disease affects the muscles of the jaw only, it is called 
trismus ; but it is only a variety of the same disease, and, therefore, 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 71 

requires the same treatment. In former years the author met with 
but little success in the treatment of this malady, yet recently, by 
using more mild and sanative agents, he has been very fortunate. 
Bleeding, purging, and blistering has had its day, but that day 
has now past. We have learned that to do violence to the animal 
system is not to do good ; and our aim now is to " pair off" with 
Nature, endeavor to sustain the vital powers, or, rather, by sanative 
medication and nutritious fluids, keep the animal alive, while the 
disease runs its course. Physicians have no power to arrest the 
disease, and those who think so only deceive themselves and their 
employers ; and those who attempt the feat of cutting the disease 
short by heroic medicines, are arrayed in hostility to Nature, and 
an unnecessary death is often the consequence. Any of our readers 
who happen to have great faith in drugs will probably feel little 
comfort in the perusal of the following quotation, uttered by one 
of the most distinguished physicians of France. It was intended 
for the benefit of mankind, but it also applies to veterinary medi- 
cine, simply from the fact that the diseases of animals are to be 
treated on the same general principles which apply to man : 

" The sick-room no longer resembles the sample department of 
of a drug warehouse. Our physicians have consciences and com- 
mon sense. They recognize Nature as the great antagonist of dis- 
ease, and endeavor to assist her in her struggle to expel it, instead 
of negatively helping disease by prostrating the physical strength 
of its victims with drastic cathartics, cantharides, and the lancet. 
In ailments for which gallons of medicine were given half a cen- 
tury ago, as many ounces are not administered at the present day, 
and bleeding and blistering have almost fallen into disuse. Not 
long before his death, the great French surgeon, physician, and 
medical chemist, Majendie, told his pupils, in the college of France, 
that the old hospital practice was mere humbug ; that he himself 
had prescribed the drugs of the dispensary at the Hotel Dku, in 
Paris, without having the least idea why or wherefore, and that on 
administering bread pills and colored water to one division of his 
patients, and the preparations of the pharmacopoeia to another, he 
found that the mortality was least among those who took no medi- 
cine ! ' You tell me/ said this extraordinary man, in one of the 
lectures of his final course, ' that doctors cure people. I grant you 
people are cured. But how? Gentlemen, Nature does a good 
deal ; imagination does a good deal. Doctors do very little, when 



72 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

they do n't do harm. You ask, then, what is the use of attending 
medical lectures ? I '11 tell you. We come here (to the college of 
France) to study Nature, to learn to reinforce and aid Nature, not 
to spin fine theories. I would not give a centime for all the theories 
in the world. Give me stubborn facts.' 

" Such was the bold and candid language of one of the greatest 
anatomists and physicians of the age but a short time before his 
death. Our medical men do not take quite such strong ground as 
Majendie took, but they show their lack of faith in what was 
formerly called ' vigorous treatment ' by sparing medication, and a 
still more limited use of the lancet and other mechanical means 
of depletion. Nature, after having been professionally misused for 
centuries, seems at last to have found a friend and ally in the 
medical faculty." 

We now come more directly to the treatment of tetanus; and, in 
view of showing what unwarrantable outrages are perpetrated on 
the poor uncorpplaining brute, the following article is here intro- 
duced : 

" Wounds of tendinous and ligamentous parts are the common 
cause of tetanus, more generally known as locked -jaw, so-called 
because the first symptoms of the violent spasmodic affection are 
detected in the jaw. Castration, nicking, docking, lacerations, and 
punctures, particularly of the feet, are the kinds of wounds that 
end in tetanus. Even slight contusions will bring it on. It is a 
dreadful and, too often, a fatal disease. The animal is nearly 
paralyzed by the constant spasm of all the voluntary muscles. 
The symptoms are unmistakable : First, a certain stiffness about 
the throat, and difficulty in swallowing or turning the head. This 
gradually extends to the jaws, contracting the mouth. The horse 
possesses a desire to masticate, but, in the earliest stage of the dis- 
ease, the work is imperfectly performed, with great pain. The eyes 
become vivid in appearance, and present a retroverted aspect. The 
disease continues to spread, and when it affects the voluntary mus- 
cles of the trunk and the extremities, the animal becomes a living 
picture of agony and distress. The cocked yet quivering tail, the 
distended legs, the contraction of the abdominal muscles, the trem- 
ulous and irregular pulse, the hurried respiration, the sweat-marks, 
and the fixed and sunken eyes, all speak unmistakably of the vio- 
lent and painful nature of the disease. The animal sometimes 
suffers for six or seven days, when it falls, completely exhausted 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 73 

by continued irritation and inanimation ; or it expires in terrible 
convulsions. Tetanus, indisputably, is a nervous affection. An 
injury to a small fiber of some nerve extends to the origin of the 
nerve, when the brain becomes affected, and a diseased action of 
the body ensues. When locked-jaw results fatally, it will be be- 
fore the expiration of nine days, as the horse dies, without a remis- 
sion of the spasms, from sheer exhaustion. The free use of the 
lancet is regarded as one of the surest means of curing tetanic 
cases, as by a flow of blood we open the bowels and tranquilize 
the system. Venesection is the most powerful sedative for mus- 
cular spasms. The nervous influence passes off with the blood ; 
therefore the flow should be most copious. We may bleed the 
horse until he falls, before the triumph is complete. The perma- 
nent strength of the animal is not hazarded by the free use of the 
lancet, but we simply make an attack upon the seat of the disease. 
Physic, also, is a matter of much importance. Profuse bleeding 
will cause the muscles of the jaws to relax, Avhen the dose may be 
introduced into the mouth. Clysters assist the action of the pur- 
gatives ; therefore are useful. The application to the spine of 
green sheep-skins, Avarm from the slaughtered animal, will some- 
times diminish the sufferings of the patient. By gently rubbing 
the spine with the hand, and then by using an opiate liniment, a 
relief may be afforded. From eight to ten drachms of aloes should 
be administered as a physic. The farina of croton-nut is also a 
powerful purgative. A solution of Epsom salts constitutes a safe 
injection as a clyster. Opium, when given in doses, varying from 
one half to two drachms, is a valuable medicine in cases of lock- 
jaw. The disease is a violent one, and to check it prompt meas- 
ures must be resorted to." 

Contrast this with the following case : While in the city of St. 
Louis, a short time ago, I was requested to visit a bay gelding, 
aged eight years, the property of Captain Silva. The messenger 
informed me, not knowing that it was a case of tetanus, that the 
horse was " all stiffened up." On an examination, the following 
symptoms were presented : The muscles in the region of the neck 
and back, rigid ; the eyes had a sort of squinting appearance ; the 
nose protruded ; the ears were erect and stationary ; the nostrils 
were expanded to their utmost capacity ; the head, neck, and trunk 
seemed to be immovable, so that it was impossible to make him 
turn in any direction, or describe the least segment of a circle. 



74 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

The abdomen appeared " tucked up," as the saying is. This arose 
from the rigid state of muscles of the abdomen. The hind limbs 
presented a straddling appearance, and the fore ones were unnat- 
urally advanced far beyond the axis of the shoulder-blade ; the 
bowels were constipated ; the pulse was wiry, and the respirations 
were accelerated and laborious. The case was diagnosed as tetanus 
from puncture of the oif hind-foot. It appeared that the animal 
had picked up a nail, five days previous, which was withdrawn by 
a blacksmith, and the foot was dressed in the usual way. The 
treatment was as follows : 

The rigid muscles were rubbed, twice daily, with a portion of 
the following antispasmodic liniment : 

No. 8. Cod-liver oil 12 oz. 

Oil of cedar 4 oz. 

Sulphuric ether 3 oz. 

The application of the liniment was continued during a period of 
ten days, in which time four drachms of Indian hemp were daily 
placed on the tongue. The jaws now relaxed, so that the patient 
could eat bran mashes. At the expiration of two weeks all signs 
of tetanus had disappeared. 

Vertigo. 

The term vertigo signifies giddiness or dizziness. It is usually 
the result of some latent disease within the brain ; and when that 
is present, any exciting cause, which we shall presently refer to, 
may bring on a fit of vertigo. The following article, by surgeon 
Haycock, will, perhaps, prove interesting to the reader : 

" By vertigo is meant a chronic disease of the horse, chiefly in- 
dicated by a disturbance of the sensitive faculties, occasioning 
derangement in the ordinary functions of life. Much that is incor- 
rect has been written regarding the seat, properly so-called, of the 
evil. At present, most veterinary surgeons are agreed in seeking 
the proximate cause, not as formerly, on the brain, but in the ab- 
dominal organs, and on considering the cerebral affection as purely 
secondary." 

Vertigo often succeeds acute disease of the brain. 

Causes. — Its chief exciting causes are confinement in hot and 
badly-aired stables, cold, extreme fatigue, blows and injuries on 
the head, indigestion, unwholesome or too much food in proportion 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 75 

to the exercise taken. The fear of punishment, especially of the 
whip, occasionally gives rise to it, in sensitive and irritable ani- 
mals. Some horses have an hereditary predisposition to it, and 
mares are considered more subject to it than stallions. Further, 
it is scarcely ever observed except in hot weather; and as it is 
generally at the beginning of summer that it commences to appear, 
it goes away always in autumn, at least with respect to its chief 
symptoms. 

Symptoms. — The horse having, previous to the attack, been 
lively and active, begins, all of a sudden, to appear heavy and in- 
dolent. He is dejected, and prefers to keep himself in the dark- 
est corner of the stable. Eyes, dull ; look, fixed and stupid ; eye- 
lids, half shut ; inattention to every thing, forgetting even himself, 
and, as it were, asleep, his head hanging down, or resting on the 
manger. His gait is heavy, slow, and unsteady ; he raises his feet 
very high, and puts the entire sole to the ground, raising and let- 
ting down the limbs in a manner purely mechanical, and, as it 
were, unconsciously. He exhibits much awkwardness in turning, 
and can not be pulled back except by depressing the head very 
much, and pushing it latterly. He also leans to one side in walking. 
To maintain his equilibrium the better, he places the fore-legs 
beneath the belly, and moves his ears backward in a peculiar 
manner. According as the disease progresses, he becomes less 
and less sensible to external impressions. Mastication is per- 
formed slowly. He takes, from time to time, a mouthful of food, 
masticates it, swallows a portion of it, but keeps the remainder 
in his mouth. He prefers taking his food off the ground rather 
than in any other way, and when drinking, he plunges his head 
into the water, even above his nostrils. During and after some 
rather violent movements, his symptoms become much aggra- 
vated, and the signs of complete insensibility become more and 
more marked. The animal runs on quite blind till some obstacle 
stops him, or turns round, or remains tranquil, with his head 
depressed, and the legs crowded beneath the body, without being 
able to change this unusual attitude, unless assisted to do so. 
There is never any fever. The pulse is often from ten to twelve 
pulsations slower than in the normal state. 

In the same way, also, the respiration is constantly slow, 
deep, and frequently of a sighing character. In almost all cases, 
the tongue is foul, and the mouth dry and clammy. With respect 



76 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

to treatment, the remedies which have succeeded best with me are, 
camomile (some doses), then sulphur and nux vomica. In a par- 
ticular case, where, independently of the symptoms peculiar to 
vertigo, the conjunctiva, tongue, and mouth were more yellow, 
the horse frequently flexed his fore-legs, seldom lay down, the 
fteces were hard, and he passed but little urine. 

The reader will perceive that many of the symptoms above 
alluded to are present in other diseases of the brain; therefore, 
some difficulty may be encountered in diagnosing the case. It is 
best for us, however, to diagnose the case on the symptoms of 
dizziness or giddiness ; then a mistake is not likely to occur. Yet, 
after all, a mistake in the true nature of the malady will not 
prove disastrous, provided the patient be treated on the general 
principles laid down in this work, by means of sanative medicines 
and little good common sense. 

Treatment. — For example, should a horse have an attack of 
vertigo on the road, the driver must immediately stop and loosen 
the throat-latch and check-rein. Then let the animal stand in 
quietude for a few minutes, during which time he may possibly 
recover, and soon be able to resume the journey. If not, he must 
be taken out of the harness, and carefully led to the nearest sta- 
ble, or where he shall be free from annoyances of every kind. 
After the excitement is over, the animal may be led home, and 
put into a roomy stall, where he must be dieted according to his 
condition. If fat and plethoric, bran mashes are indicated, into 
which should be stirred a drachm or two of hyposulphite of soda. 
Should the patient be poor in flesh, a few good oats are indicated, 
to which add a small quantity of powdered ginger and balmony. 
The surface 'of the body being cold, it must be warmed, after the 
usual fashion, by means of clothing. But should the surface of 
the body feel hot, more particularly in the region of the head, 
then tonics, stimulants, and food are to be withheld. A bucket 
of cold water is then to be placed before him, into which about 
four drachms of nitrate of potass may be stirred. 

Acute and General Disease of the Brain known 
as Encephalitis. 

The contents of the cranium are called, collectively, the ence- 
phalon ; hence the term encephalitis, which signifies inflammation 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 77 

of any, or all portions of the contents of the cranial cavity. 
Various terms are applied to disease of this character, such as 
" sleepy staggers," " coma," " phrenitis," cerebritis," and " cere- 
bral meningitis," the latter being formerly recognized as blind or 
sleepy staggers. These several terms merely apply to the various 
stages of the acute disease as it gradually invades the membranes 
covering the brain, or the substance of the brain itself. It some- 
times appears to invade at once the whole of the parts within 
the skull, or, beginning in one part, it extends rapidly to all the 
rest, so that the term encephalitis seems to be more applicable 
than those just enumerated. It is a matter of impossibility for 
us to tell precisely what are the pathological conditions of the parts 
affected. Nor are the symptoms always the same. They may 
range from a state of phrenzy to one of coma. Still, in our treat- 
ment, we shall not be led astray ; for, being an acute affection, (or 
affections, as some persons may term it,) we have to treat it on the 
same general principles which obtain in many or all diseases of 
an acute character, viz. : by means of sedatives, laxatives, cold 
water, spare diet, and rest. 

Should the patient die during the acute stage of disease of the 
brain, an autopsy will reveal great vascularity and softening of 
the cerebral mass, and thickening of its membranes ; but should 
the disease run on unchecked to a fatal termination, pus and 
fluid may be found within the lateral ventricles of the brain. 
This enables us to explain the difference between the symptoms 
which prevail in the early and latter stages of the malady ; for, 
at the commencement of the acute stage, the loss of equilibrium 
in the circulation sends the red arterial blood, in undue quanti- 
ties, to the brain — the part, perhaps, most predisposed to diseased 
action, or, it may be, at the time actually in a pathological con- 
dition ; hence the loss of equilibrium in the circulation — which, 
in consequence of accelerated respiration, becomes highly charged 
with oxygen, acts as a potent stimulus, not Only to the nervous 
system, but to the muscular system also, producing those active 
and phrenitic symptoms which have led us to infer that the patient 
is going or is actually mad ; hence the name which some per- 
sons have applied, " mad staggers." This activity can not last 
long ; for it is potent to exhaust the vital forces. Organs and 
parts of the body become overworked ; then comes organic 
changes — softening of the brain, effusion, formation of pus, which 



78 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

ends in coma, which is the latter stage just referred to, devoid of 
any mad or phrenitic symptoms, but marked by lethargy, or a 
prolonged comatose condition, from which no stimulus will 
arouse the patient. He is not only the subject of altered struc- 
ture within and around the brain, but the latter is compressed by 
the serum, or pus, as the case may be, and thus sensibility is 
more or less destroyed. The degree of coma, however, will be 
directly proportioned to the degree of pressure. Now, the reader 
will perceive that the proposition of treatment, just referred to, 
for the acute stage will not apply to the comatose condition ; for 
here we have to stimulate and give tone to the system, so as to 
sustain the failing vital powers. 

In regard to this subject, Professor Copeman observes: "In 
inflammation of the brain, phrenitis, mad staggers, I have told 
you that it may be said to be impossible to distinguish, with any 
thing like certainty, in individual cases, acute inflammation of 
the substance of the brain from those affecting the membranes 
or ventricles. The reason will be obvious when we reflect that 
the phenomena, in every instance, are, in fact, attributable to 
pressure on the entire contents of the skull, encephalon, viz. : 
cerebrum, cerebellum, medulla, oblongata, and membranes; and 
if this be rapid and general, it can matter little whether it orig- 
inates from the membranes or the brain. Acute inflammation 
does, however, sometimes appear to invade at once the whole of 
the parts that are lodged within the skull ; or, beginning in one 
part, it extends rapidly to all the rest. The symptoms which 
usually mark an attack of cercbritis are the following : The horse 
becomes sleepy, heavy, or more or less comatose, accompanied by 
general fever. After a time a convulsive attack supervenes. He 
becomes morose, and shows delirium; perhaps rears both fore- 
legs into the manger, from which position he may reel around 
and fall, kicking and tearing every thing about him. During 
the fit his respiration is much excited, and he sweats profusely. 
If he gets upon his legs, he makes sudden and violent efforts, 
dashing against rack, manger, or stall, totally disregarding any 
thing that may be said or done to him. Thus he is oontinually 
struggling, panting, and perspiring, perhaps foaming at the 
mouth, leading the ordinary observer to believe he is not only 
delirious but actually ' mad.' But all these symptoms vary much 
in different cases. Coma occurs frequently, but often only tern- 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 79 

porarily. Great prostration and muscular debility are generally 
observed. 

The seat of ' sleepy staggers/ or cerebral meningitis, is the so- 
called subarachnoid cavity, in which is a quantity of loose areola 
tissue, richly furnished with blood-vessels. It generally results 
that the exudation poured into this cavity is quickly accompanied 
or followed by pus. Hence, we find that what is generally called 
a recent layer of coagulable lymph, covering the convolutions in 
meningitis, is, in point of fact, a layer of pus, generally present- 
ing a molecular character. As to the diagnosis, notwithstanding 
the efforts which have been made to distinguish meningitis of the 
convolutions from that of the base, or either of these from a sim- 
ple effusion into the ventricles, I have in vain sought for any 
precise symptoms, which could be relied on, as indicative of the 
situation of the disease. Drowsiness and coma, causing slow and 
subsequently rapid pulse, succeeded by restlessness. The horse 
is excited; he flings himself about, frequently jerking his head up 
and down, sometimes rearing, perhaps, into the manger; tension 
of the limbs, thrusting the head into the rack. The faculties of 
the organs of sense are lost, for the horse neither hears nor sees. 
The state of excitement may terminate, more or less quickly, in 
convulsions and death, or the patient may relapse into a state of 
coma, and ultimately result in partial or complete recovery. 

The gradual mode of invasion, and the succession of the symp- 
toms to one another, are also characteristic, and differ markedly 
in degree from those which attend sudden attacks of apoplexy 
caused by hemorrhage. They are both the result of general 
pressure on the brain, and hence the reason why mere effusion can 
not be distinguished from hemorrhage." 

Treatment. — The treatment of the preceding forms of acute dis- 
ease of the brain was formerly, and is at present, to some extent, 
conducted on the absurd antiphlogistic plan, by blood-letting, 
purging, and blistering, which practice kills more than it ever 
cures. The plan now adopted by the author is to give drachm 
doses of gelseminum every four hours, until relief is apparent. 
The cranial region is kept constantly bathed with cold water ; the 
rectum is kept free from excrement by means of injections of soap- 
suds; the bowels are kept in working order, by mixing Glauber 
salts with thin bran mashes. Half a pound of salts, dissolved in 
about four quarts of mash, will generally prove laxative. Should 



80 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

it fail to have this effect, after a lapse of about six hours, the dose 
may be repeated. This plan of treatment is more rational, and 
has proved more successful, than that just alluded to. 

Should the disease progress so that the animal manifests symp- 
toms of coma, or lethargy, then chlorate of potass is the best 
agent. It should be given in half-ounce doses, every four or six 
hours, in the form of drench, or it may be dissolved in the water 
which the animal is allowed to drink. A few doses of the fol- 
lowing preparation must also be given : 

No. 9. Fluid extract of golden seal ) each 4 Qz 

Fluid extract oi jumper j 

Mix. 

Dose, two ounces every morning. 

Keep the rectum empty by injections, and, if the case be curable, 
such treatment as this, followed up by careful nursing, will ac- 
complish the object. Copeman, who is authority in this disease, 
fully indorses this treatment, and says : 

" Hitherto the treatment of meningitis (sleepy staggers), whether 
real or supposed, has been antiphlogistic, but it is impossible to say 
that any benefit has ever been effected by the practice. The early 
stages of the disease are probably generally overlooked. So long 
as the horse retains his appetite and his consciousness, no suspicion 
of disease arises. It is only when exudation or effusion has been 
poured out in such quantity as to cause drowsiness and stupor that 
our suspicions are awakened, and thus it is very difficult to under- 
stand how blood-letting or purging could facilitate its absorption. 
Besides, we have seen that the tendency of such effusion is to pass 
into the circulation. Hence, the treatment which favors the re- 
absorption of the exudation, as I have previously explained, must 
be most effectual. For this purpose time is required, and the vital 
strength, instead of being lowered, should be supported. In short, 
the duty of the practitioner is to support the economy as much as 
possible, to give nutrients with moderate stimulants, to unload the 
bowels, from time to time, artificially, by injections, etc., and in this 
way to gain time, which will enable the effused matters to pass 
through their natural transformations, to be absorbed and ulti- 
mately excreted. It has appeared to me that the collection of 
serous fluid, whether in the ventricles or over the surface of the 
brain, either with or without exudation, is consecutive on obstruc- 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 81 

tion of the vessels, and is, therefore, more allied to the dropsies 
than to inflammations. It is the collection of serum which does 
the mischief — presses on the brain, and causes the coma and stu- 
por. If so, the occurrence of those symptoms should be regarded 
as secondary, instead of as primary, and as analogous to ascites, 
dropsy, or anasarca, following disease of the kidneys. These 
pathological considerations are, it appears to me, wholly opposed 
to the idea of blood-letting and antiphlogistics being beneficial 
after effusion has occurred." 



Equine Chorea, or Stringhalt. 

Chorea, or stringhalt, consists of an irregular and involuntary 
spasmodic action of some of the muscles of the hind extremities. 
Equine chorea differs somewhat from human chorea. In the lat- 
ter case, it usually begins with slight twitches in the muscles of 
the face, or in the upper extremities, and various parts of the body 
twitch and contort in such a singular and unnatural manner, 
that some persons have denominated the disease " insanity of the 
muscles." 

In the case of horses, no such " insanity of muscles " has been 
observed. It is mainly confined to the posterior limbs. Mr. 
Feron, a distinguished V. S., contends that stringhalt bears 
some affinity to what is known in human medicine as chorea, or 
" St. Vitus' dance." He does not, however, wish to convey the 
idea that they are essentially the same disease, only they are both 
of a convulsive or spasmodic character, wherein the mind, will, 
or instinct has lost more or less of its control over the voluntary 
muscles of the hind extremities, and the peculiar feat is thus ac- 
complished. When the animal has lifted his hind leg from the 
ground, which is always done with a convulsive twitch, the fet- 
lock nearly approaches the belly, and, by some other remarkable 
irregularities in its action, before the foot can be replaced on the 
ground, displays such unnatural movements as to convince us that 
volition is impaired. Hence, we may infer that, in a majority of 
cases, stringhalt is the result of some abnormal condition of the 
nervous system. What occasions that condition is a matter of 
fact and argument, which remains as an open question for some 
future pathologist to decide. So far as the author's experience 
goes, he is satisfied from actual dissection of the parts, that some 
6 



82 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

stringhalt horses are the subjects of ulcerative disease of the hock- 
joint, and they finally become sprained. 

In such cases, it is possible that stringhalt may be the result of 
hock disease, which irritates the nerves in the vicinity of the part, 
and thus affects that portion of the nervous system which controls 
the muscles concerned. Andral tells us that " chorea, like epi- 
lepsy, may be excited by irritation." Hence, in the commencement 
of spavin, or so soon as osseous incrustations are thrown out, they 
may, during the active motion of the joint, produce local irritation, 
of nervous filaments, in the vicinity, which irritation may be com- 
municated to larger and more important nerves, and thus induce 
stringhalt. 

We all know that local irritation produced by the prick of a 
nail, or sometimes docking and pricking, is often productive of 
locked-jaw, simply because some nervous or tendinous structure 
is injured; and so the local irritation in the region of the hock 
may be productive of the malady now under consideration. The 
author has paid considerable attention to this subject, and is con- 
vinced that almost all horses of the nervous or excitable tempera- 
ment, the subjects of inter-articular spavin, manifest more or less 
catching-up of the limb (stringhalt) at some period during the 
progress of spavin, and that when the bones of the hock are 
anchylosed (united), and the motion and irritation of the parts 
have ceased, the stringhalt becomes modified. The reader, how- 
ever, must not receive this opinion as absolute; for at times, in 
consequence of some peculiar idiosyncrasy, the stringhalt gradu- 
ally grows worse. Among some members of the human family, 
of the peculiar temperament to receive the impression, almost any 
thing which makes a forcible impression upon the nervous system 
may act as an exciting cause of chorea. The subject is a very 
important one, and most veterinary writers of the English school 
have rather mystified the subject, and at last have come to the 
conclusion that the disease is incurable. This was formerly the 
author's opinion, but a change has taken place in his sentiments, 
and he is unwilling to deprive the afflicted animal of the benefits 
of progressive science. More light on the subject may enable us 
to effect many cases of cure; at least it will enable us better to 
understand the pathology of the case, which is an important 
step in the right direction. In view, therefore, of furnishing the 
reader with some useful information, whether he be a veterinary 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 83 

practitioner or not, we shall borrow from analogy, in the intro- 
duction of the following article from "Watson's Practice" : 

" In certain of M. Magendie's experiments on animals, the 
following curious facts were ascertained : "When a vertical section 
of the cerebellum of a rabbit was made, leaving one-fourth of the 
whole adhering to the crest of the right side of the cranium, and 
three-fourths to that of the left, the animal rolled over and over 
incessantly, turning itself toward the injured side. The same phe- 
nomenon occurred upon the division of the crus cerebelli. The 
animal lived for eight days, and continued, during the whole of 
that time, to revolve upon its long axis, unless stopped by coming 
in contact with some obstacle. How like is this to the symp- 
toms exhibited at one period in the girl whose case is related by 
Dr. Watts. Nor is Dr. Watts's case a singular one. M. Serres 
has described another much resembling it. A shoemaker, sixty- 
eight years old, of intemperate habits, after one of his debauches, 
exhibited a kind of drunkenness which surprised his friends. 
Instead of seeing objects turning around him, as a drunken person 
is apt to do, he thought he was himself turning, and soon began 
to revolve, and this lasted till he died ; and when his head was 
examined, extensive mischief was found in one of the pedicles of 
his cerebellum. Again: M. Magendie noticed that when the 
upper part of the cerebrum is gently removed in birds and mam- 
malia, they become blind; but no affection of the locomotive 
po wers is produced. No further result is occasioned by the removal 
of a portion of the gray matter of the corpora striata ; but when 
the striated part is cut away, the animal immediately darts forward 
with rapidity, and continues to advance as if impelled by some 
irresistible force, until stopped by an obstacle ; and, even then, it 
retains the attitude of one advancing. The experiment was tried, 
with the same results upon various species of animals — dogs, cats, 
hedgehogs, rabbits, Guinea-pigs, and squirrels. It seems that 
there are horses that can not back, although they make good 
progress enough in a straightforward direction. Now, Magendie 
says that he has opened the heads of such horses, and has always 
found in the lateral ventricles of their brains a collection of water, 
which must have compressed and even disorganized the corpora 
striata. It has been further ascertained, by the same experimenter, 
and by others, that certain injuries of the cerebellum cause ani- 
mals to move backward contrarily to their will. If the tail of 



84 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

the animal so mutilated be pinched, he still persists in his retro- 
grade course. Injuries of the medulla oblongata had the same 
effect. Pigeons, into which he forced a pin through that part, 
constantly receded for more than a month, and even flew back- 
ward. A section of the medulla oblongata, where it approaches 
the anterior pyramid, gives rise to a movement in a circle like 
that of a horse in a mill, the animal, in its walk or its flight, 
bearing round continually to the injured side. Surely we have, 
in these facts, supplied by experiments on living animals, and by 
observation of the phenomena of disease in the living human 
body, some of the materials for a more exact knowledge, both of 
the physiology and of the pathology of the nervous system, than 
we have reached. M. Magendie supposes that different portions 
of the encephalon are endowed with energies which tend to cause 
motion in various directions ; that in the healthy state these bal- 
ance each other, and that a preponderating impulse can be given 
to any one of these forces by the will ; but that when the equilib- 
rium is destroyed by disease, the will is not sufficient to counter- 
act the tendencies which are then brought into play. Mr. Mayo 
offers a different explanation of the phenomena. He supposes 
that the injuries inflicted on the nervous matter produce a sensa- 
tion analogous to vertigo, and that the animal conceives itself 
either to be hurried forward, and makes an exertion to repel im- 
aginary force, or to be moving backward, or turning round in 
one direction, and endeavors to correct this by moving the corre- 
sponding muscles." 

Treatment. — In stringhalt, it is nearly always safe for us to 
conclude that it must be treated on the same general principles 
which obtain in the management of other nervous disorders of a 
chronic character, viz .: in the use of tonics and anti-soasmodics. 
Take, for example : 

No. 10. Fluid extract of valerian ") , 

Fluid extract of poplar bark } e( l ual P arts ' 

Dose, one ounce, morning and evening; to be placed on the 
tongue. The spine and affected limb or limbs should be rubbed 
every night, for a couple of weeks, with a portion of the following : 

No. 11. Fluid extract of poppies 6 oz. 

Proof spirit 1 pint. 

Mix. 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 85 

Should the animal prove to be spavined, the following liniment 
is recommended : 

No. 12. Cod-liver oil ) } te> 

Kerosene oil ) 

Mix. 

A small quantity of this liniment should be rubbed on the seat 
of spavin, inside of the hock, once or twice daily, until counter- 
irritation is accomplished, which shall be known in consequence 
of the hair falling off ; then discontinue the liniment, and lubricate 
the affected parts with olive oil, and wait patiently, so as to see 
what Nature will do for the case. " Patient waiters are no losers." 
The popular, or rather the ancient, method of treatment does more 
harm than good. 




SECTION IV. 

DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND 

ORGANS. 

Importance of Ventilating Stables — Brief Exposition and Description op 
the Function of the Lungs — Spasm of the Muscles of the Glottis and Epi- 
glottis—Laryngitis, (Suppurative and Inflammatory) — Croup — Chronic 
Cough — Roaring — Polypus — Bronchocele — Influenza, or Epizootic Ca- 
tarrh — Pneumonia, or Inflammation of the Lungs, including Typhoid 
Affections, Pleurisy, and Dropsy of the Chest. 

Importance of Ventilating Stables, in view of 
preventing disease of the ltjngs. 

IT was the intention of the Creator that all animals, so long as 
they were permitted to exercise their natural instincts, and 
thus comply with the requirements of physiology — the science of 
life — should enjoy health and long life. Hence a great amount 
of disease and death results from the evils of domestication. 

One of the conditions which physiology imposes, in order that 
a horse shall enjoy health, is, that the atmosphere, at all times, 
and under all circumstances, shall be uncontaminated, so that the 
blood shall be decarbonized and purified of the defiling elements 
acquired in the course of circulation. 

Let the reader understand that the lungs are something like a 
sponge, elastic, composed of a myriad of cells. In the former, 
however, these cells have a vast internal surface, communicating 
with each other up to their common origin, the bronchial tubes 
and windpipe. On their internal surface we find a delicate yet 
highly important membrane permeable to atmosphere. In extent, 
it is supposed to occupy a square surface equal to that of the ex- 
ternal body. In contact with this membrane comes the atmos- 
phere. If pure — zephyr-like — it fans into healthful blaze the 
flame of life, upheaving from the living Vesuvius arid lava, in 
(86) 



DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 87 

the form of carbonic acid gas, almost as destructive to animality 
as that issuing from its great prototype proves to vegetation. 

The stable atmosphere being pure, and the lungs in working 
order, the blood is well arterialized, capable of supplying the 
waste of the animal machine and renovating its tissues. On the 
other hand, should the atmosphere be impure, it fails to vitalize 
the blood. The latter is unfit for the purpose of nutrition, and 
may be considered a non-supporter of vitality. Hence the need 
of pure air, the breath of life. 

But are horses always furnished with pure air ? Let the own- 
ers of unventilated, crowded, filthy, down-cellar and low-roofed 
stables answer. Let those who have stables in the region of 
swamp, sewer, and stagnant pools of water answer. In such lo- 
cations disease and death run riot, and the noble companion of 
man, instead of being within the ramparts of the science of life, 
is on the margin of death's domain. He may exist for several 
days without food and water, yet the consequent result is nothing 
when compared to that occasioned by breathing an atmosphere 
highly charged with emanations arising from his own body ex- 
crements and decomposing bedding. 

A horse is said to consume in the lungs, in the course of twen- 
four hours, ninety-seven ounces of carbon, furnished by venous 
blood. In order to perform this feat, he requires 190 cubic feet 
of oxygen. Now, suppose there are ten horses occupying the sta- 
ble. They require, in the same time, 1,900 cubic feet of oxygen, 
and consume 970 ounces of carbon. They are supposed, also, to 
give out from the lungs a volume of carbonic acid gas equal to 
that of the oxygen inspired ; and supposing the atmosphere to 
be saturated with only five per centum of the former, it is a non- 
supporter of life. Hence, a horse shut up in an unventilated 
stable must, sooner or later, become the subject of disease. The 
evil may be postponed, but the day of reckoning is sure and cer- 
tain. 

Diseases, such as horse-ail, influenza, catarrh, strangles, and 
glanders, often originate and prevail to an alarming extent in 
the unventilated stable and pest spot; while in other locations, 
favorable to the free and full play of vital operations, the favored 
ones seem to enjoy a remarkable immunity from the prevailing 
disease, or epizootic. 

Stablemen and husbandmen are often led to remark, that when 



88 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

they keep but few animals, disease and death, except in cases of 
accident or old age, are quite rare, but so soon as they crowded 
the same, sickness and death were the consequences. In view of 
supporting this theory, we may be permitted to remark that ship 
and jail fevers may be manufactured ad libitum, at any time when 
a large number of persons are congregated together in a given 
space, no provision having been made for the admission of pure 
air. The unfortunate prisoners in the Black Hole of Calcutta 
are an example, and the mortality occurring on board our emi- 
grant ships furnishes another illustration. 

A number of horses were once shipped from England to Spain, 
and on the passage, a violent gale arising, it became necessary to 
batten down the hatchway. The consequence was that most of 
them ultimately died of either glanders or farcy. We contend, 
therefore, that the active or morbid germ of disease enters the 
living citadel through the pulmonary tissue in an insidious man- 
ner, and, therefore, much oftener than the generality of men 
would be likely to realize. Therefore, it is a matter of vital im- 
portance that attention be paid to the ventilation of our stables. 
If proper sanitary regulations were established, and fully carried 
out in all our stables, glanders and other infectious diseases would 
be exceedingly rare. They are so among horses free from the 
control of man, whose stalls are broad as from ocean to ocean, 
their height ranging from earth to regions above, the space per- 
vaded by a pure atmosphere concocted by the Great Chemist, pure 
as the pearly drops and refreshing as the morning zephyr. In 
such locations death has no terrors nor disease any victims. 

Brief Exposition of the Function of the Lungs. 

The principal function of the lungs is to arterialize or decar- 
bonize the blood ; that is, purify it. This arterialization of the 
blood, which goes the rounds of the circulation, is more essential 
to life than either food or water ; for men and animals can exist 
for several days, perhaps for two weeks, without food, yet the 
same can not live over a few seconds unless supplied with a suffi- 
ciency of atmospheric air. Hence, in a popular sense, pure air is 
the " breath of life." 

The functional acts of respiration are necessarily divided into 
two parts; and in cattle the number of respirations are about 



DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 



89 



twelve per minute, varying, however, according to the tempera- 
ment of the animal and the condition he may be in at the time 
of making the observation; while in horses the respirations are 
more frequent, varying in health, and when at rest, from fourteen 
to twenty-five ; yet, under excitement and disease, they sometimes 
number over one hundred. 




THE CONTENTS OF THE THORAX. 

Explanation.— Fig. 1, Trachte ; 2, Bifurcation of the carotid artery; 3, Internal carotid artery; 
i i, Anterior lobes of the lungs; 5 5, Posterior lobes of the lungs; 6, The heart; 7, Coronary 
artery; 8, Cartilages of the false ribs; 9, The diaphragm. 



When an animal is located in a pure atmosphere, and the 
lungs are in good working condition, all the impurities contained 
in venous blood are brought into the presence of oxygen through 
the lining membrane of the air-cells, and thus a change in the 
color and character of the blood is immediately effected. In the 
first place, the venous blood, as it appeared before having been 
submitted to the action of the atmosphere, was of a dark purple 



90 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY, 

color. By union with the oxygen of the atmosphere, it has 
changed its color to one of scarlet. Next, the union of oxygen 
with the carbon of the blood liberates carbonic acid gas and vapor. 
The blood is now fit for circulation and for the renovation of the 
tissues. It appears, therefore, that as carbon exists in the venous 
blood, the lungs must be the pulmonary furnaces. The air-cells 
are flues or safety-valves, the membrane of the cells being per- 
meable to oxygen, yet suffers not the blood to escape. Pulmonary 
combustion, therefore, bears some analogy to the combustion of 
carbon or charcoal in a stove ; for, in that case, the oxygen causes 
the generation or evolution of carbonic acid gas. 

Brief Description of the Anatomy of the Lungs. 

The lungs, in common parlance, are known as the lights. They 
occupy the thoracic cavity, or chest. They are divided into right 
and left lobes, with a septum or partition between, which makes 
a double organ. This partition is a duplicature of the pleura, or 
membrane which completely lines the chest. When the lungs 
are healthy and properly inflated, they occupy the whole cavity of 
the chest ; but when an action of expiration is effected, they are in 
a comparative state of collapse, occupying but a very small portion 
of the thoracic cavity. The lungs are composed of arteries, veins, 
absorbents, bronchial tubes, air-cells, and also what is known as 
their parenchyma, or substance. A healthy lung, when thrown 
into water, will float on the surface ; while, on the other hand, a 
diseased lung, in a state of hepatization or condensation, sinks like 
a stone. In the fetal state, and when the lungs have never been 
inflated, they also sink when thrown into water. 

Spasm of the Muscles of the Glottis and Epiglottis. 

The aperture leading into the larynx and windpipe is termed 
the glottis. Spasm of the muscles of the glottis is one of the most 
terrible accidents that can possibly occur in either man or horse. 
I view it in the light of an accident, because it usually occurs 
without warning or any other premonitory symptoms, selecting its 
victims in the very prime of life, and carrying them off, usually, 
in the course of a very few seconds. The terms cramp and spasm 
mean the same thing. When a man, while bathing in the river 



DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 91 

or sea, is suddenly seized with cramp, it is nothing more nor less 
than spasm of the flexor muscles of his limbs. Sometimes, how- 
ever, the extensor muscles are affected. In either case, unless 
assistance be at hand, the person is apt to find a watery grave. 
Cramp or spasm of the intestines is the same form of affection, 
only it is confined to the muscular fibers of the intestines ; and 
whenever it occurs in the limbs or intestines, it is always accom- 
panied by excruciating pain and torment. 

Treatment. — As regards spasm of the muscles of the glottis, it is 
very apt to prove fatal, either in consequence of lack of knowledge 
of the proper mode of treatment, or in failing to apply the remedy 
which the urgency of the case demands. I allude to the operation 
of tracheotomy, which consists of making an incision into the 
windpipe and inserting a tube into the same. A tube may not 
always be at hand, but this must not deter us from operating ; for, 
by some means or other, air must be admitted, even if it be neces- 
sary to dissect out a piece of the trachea, which I always do in the 
case of a horse, whether I have a tube by me or not. Very little 
pain attends the operation, and that only occurs when cutting 
through the skin ; for the windpipe, being composed of cartilage, 
is comparatively insensible. It may be policy, when the subject 
is not in immediate peril of his life, to resort to some counter- 
irritant and antispasmodic liniment (equal parts of spirits of 
camphor and tincture of lobelia) ; but when the danger is immi- 
nent, and the finger of Death is plainly on the patient, we only 
waste precious moments in the use of outward applications. 

The following case, reported by J. B. Dobson, V. S., may pos- 
sibly prove both interesting and instructive to some of our readers : 

"At night a messenger came, saying the horse was very ill. 
Upon entering the stable, the animal presented the following 
symptoms: He was stretched out his full length in the stable, 
apparently in the agonies of suffocation ; and such was the difficulty 
attending respiration that he positively screamed, in performing 
the act, so as to be heard at some considerable distance. I had 
not been with him many seconds, however, before he was slightly 
relieved, and in about ten minutes the spasm passed off, leaving 
him, with the exception, of course, of great exhaustion, otherwise 
as well as ever. Viewing the case as one of spasm of the muscles 
of the glottis, I applied stimulants, and ordered constant fomen- 
tations to the larynx, and left him with directions to be closely 



92 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

watched, in case the spasm might return. In the middle of the 
night I was again called, in haste; and this time the breathing 
seemed, if possible, worse than before, and it was evident that, if 
no relief were afforded, the animal must soon be suffocated. I 
accordingly, with some difficulty, owing to his struggles, per- 
formed tracheotomy. The relief was instantaneous, and he was 
soon on his legs, and anxious to feed. From this time the trach- 
eotomy tube was kept in his throat for a week, when, considering 
that the glottis might have resumed its normal functions, I placed 
a cork in the orifice of the tube and sent him to work, as an 
experiment, ordering the cork to be removed if any symptom 
of suffocation should come on. We, however, found that the 
slightest effort at exertion brought on a fit of bad breathing, and 
it became evident that he would not work without the tube. 
The horse was accordingly sent to his regular work with the tube 
in his trachea, and, for three or four months, he did his accus- 
tomed labor with it in. At the end of that time, however, by 
an accident, the tube fell out, when he was some miles from 
home, and the horse coming home tolerably well without it, the 
horse-keeper neglected to inform me of it for a day or two, and 
when I saw my patient, the aperture in the muscles of the neck 
had closed. As the horse now seemed to work well without the 
tracheotomy tube, it was not reinserted, and from that time to 
this (more than two years) he had not another attack." 

Should a case of this kind occur, and the consulted party have 
no tube at hand, he must pass a ligature through each side of 
the orifice, including a portion of skin and muscles. Each liga- 
ture is then to be passed over opposite sides of the neck, and tied 
at the upper part, just tight enough to keep the lips of the 
wound apart. In this way air is admitted into the windpipe, 
and thus the animal is out of danger. 

Laryngitis (Suppurative and Inflammatory). 

Laryngitis signifies inflammation of the lining membrane of 
the larynx. On applying the ear to the region of the throat, the 
locality of the affection is very evident, from the fact that no such 
embarrassed sound can be elicited in the lower part of the wind- 
pipe. Hence it must be inferred that the disease is located in 
the upper, or superior, passage of respiration. 



DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 93 




TBACHEOTOMY TUBE DJSEBTED IN THE WINDPIPE. 

The inflammatory condition exists during a limited period, 
varying from one to five days. Then commences the suppura- 
tive stage, which is accompanied by a copious discharge, from 
both nostrils, of a secretion somewhat resembling pus, or matter. 

Causes. — As regards the special cause of this affection very lit- 
tle is known. It may be supposed, however, to originate in a 
common cold, or catarrh ; yet it is well known that horses are 
sometimes attacked with it that are not exposed to the ordinary 
influences which induce a catarrhal affection. Therefore we may 
infer that such disease will occasionally occur, either spontane- 
ously or accidentally, as the case may be, in spite of our best 
efforts to prevent it. As the old saying is, " Nature is ever busy 
in maintaining the integrity of the vital forces of the animal 
economy. Any deviation from the prescribed laws which physi- 
ology imposes is a sure and certain cause of disease." 

I now propose to introduce a case which, at the time of its oc- 
currence, attracted much attention and curiosity, both on account 



94 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

of the great value of the animal, and the desperate state of the 
case at the time it fell into my hands. It will also serve to in- 
dorse the old aphorism that " where there is life there is hope." 
Record of the Case. — The patient was a Patchen colt, aged four 
years, a very handsome and promising animal. He was pur- 
chased by Mr. McPheksojST, of this city, for the sum of two 
thousand dollars, and, at the time of his sickness, was considered 
worth three thousand. But disease neither respects man nor 
horse. Each have, once in awhile, to suffer and groan, swallow 
drugs and get well, or die, as the case maybe. And as regards 
the horse, the more costly shall he be, the more likely is he to 
get sick, from the fact that valuable horses are almost always 
overfed and petted, and receive too much care and attention. On 
arriving at the stable where the animal was located, I found him 
in a dangerous condition. He appeared to be gasping for breath. 
A loud stertorous noise, which could be heard at some distance, 
indicated the nature of the difficulty as depending on obstruc- 
tion within the larynx. The pulse at the angle of the jaw was 
very indistinct. Both pupils of the eyes were dilated, or in a 
state of amaurosis. The extremities and external surface of the 
body were deathly cold. The tongue and visible mucous surfaces 
were livid, indicating speedy death. Once in awhile the animal 
would be seized with a convulsive or spasmodic fit of coughing, 
which, every time, seemed to threaten his life. In those fits of 
coughing he passed from the nostrils a sort of cheesy matter, 
which appeared to be mixed up with a diphtherial exudation — 
yellow secretion and froth. Under the above circumstances, any 
attempt to administer medicine was deemed unsafe. I there- 
fore decided to perform the operation known as tracheotomy, 
which was done, in the following manner : Having secured the 
services of a couple of assistants, the horse was led to a conven- 
ient spot in the center of the stable. An incision was then made 
through the skin, to expose the trachea, about midway between 
the jaws and breast-bone. The trachea was now punctured by 
means of a pointed scalpel, and a probe-pointed bistoury was used 
to dissect out a piece of the windpipe, corresponding to the size of 
the tracheotomy tube. This tube, after being inserted into the 
windpipe, was secured in place by means of elastic tape, which was 
passed around the neck and tied. On the introduction of the 
tube the alarming symptoms immediately subsided, aud the act 



DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 95 

of breathing was performed through the tube. I then applied a 
counter-irritant to the throat, composed of cod-liver oil and spirits 
of camphor, equal parts ; ordered a warm bran mash, into which 
was sprinkled one ounce of powdered chlorate of potass. 

For several days a very copious discharge from both nostrils 
occurred; also from the orifice made in the windpipe; so that the 
tracheotomy tube had to be removed and cleansed several times, 
both during the day and night. Four days after the operation, 
at night, the tube accidentally slipped out of the windpipe, and 
the mishap was not discovered until morning, when I found that 
air from the lungs had escaped into the cellular tissue, and in- 
flated it so that the soft parts in the region of the neck and head 
appeared much swollen. I gave the patient, twice daily, one 
ounce of hyposulphite of soda, and had the swollen parts well 
rubbed with liniment. On the fifth day I removed the tube from 
the windpipe, and allowed the animal to breathe through the arti- 
ficial opening, he still being unable to respire through the nostrils. 
At the expiration of fifteen days from the commencement of the 
animal's sickness, the wound in the windpipe was closed, natural 
respiration having been restored. During the treatment of the 
patient, he was allowed, occasionally, flaxseed tea, with about one 
ounce of chlorate of potass per day. He had good attention, or, 
rather, good nursing, and finally was again restored to usefulness. 

In the early stage of laryngitis, or, rather, the inflammatory 
stage, cold water bandages should be applied to the throat, and 
a few doses of fluid extract of gelseminum, at the rate of one 
fluid drachm per dose. 

Croup (Cynanche Trachealis). 

Croup (cynanche trachealis), or, as it is sometimes termed, 
tracheitis, manifests itself in the form of a violent and sudden 
disease affecting the mucous membrane of that portion of the 
air-passages which lies between the laryngeal cartilages and the 
primary passages of the trachea, or windpipe. Condie contends 
that, in the majority of cases, the inflammation in croup com- 
mences in the mucous membrane of the larynx, and from thence 
extends into the trachea. The disease is, therefore, strictly speak- 
ing, a laryngeo-tracheitis. In many instances, however, we have 
reason to believe that the inflammation commences in the bronchi, 



96 DADDS VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

and from thence extends to the trachea ; but there are, we suspect, 
very few cases indeed, if any, in which the disease is confined to 
the trachea. In cases of croup that have terminated rapidly in 
death, the inflammation and pseudo-membranous exudation which 
form so striking a feature in this disease are found only in the 
larynx and upper portion of the trachea. When death occurs at 
a later period, the exudation is often present in the trachea alone, 
or in the trachea and bronchi. It is never found to exist in the 
latter tubes alone. It has been attempted to be shown, by -Turin" 
and others, that in the ordinary form of croup the disease is, in its 
first stages at least, simply a tracheitis, and that in the more vio- 
lent and rapid form (suffocating croup) the inflammation is con- 
fined to the larynx. Although this is not strictly true, as is proved 
by the result of numerous dissections, yet our observations have 
shown us that in cases marked by symptoms of great violence, 
which are sudden in their onset and rapid in their progress, the 
indications of inflammation are to a much greater extent, and the 
pseudo-membranous exudation more copious about the larynx, glot- 
tis, and upper portion of the trachea, than in cases in which the 
disease succeeds to bronchitis, runs a more protracted course, and 
is attended by symptoms of less violence. 

The disease generally makes its appearance during the latter 
part of winter and in early spring, and most frequently occurs 
among horses just introduced to city life. The subjects such as 
the author has had occasion to treat were young, most of them of 
the lymphatic temperament, having short, thick necks, which 
abounded in a profuse development of adipose and cellular tissues, 
which results in a rotund bodily conformation. This, perhaps, 
goes to show that some hereditary idiosyncrasy plays a part in the 
creation of the disease. 

Causes. — The indirect causes of the disorder are embraced among 
the evils of domestication, which include errors in diet, impure 
air, and bad management. It usually dates its origin from what 
are generally considered as the causes of common cold. Several 
days previous to the attack, the animal appears " dumpish," drowsy, 
and inactive, having little desire for artificial food, and less for 
water. The eyes appear somewhat tumefied, and the respirations 
are laborious, having a peculiar, croupy sound, accompanied by a 
distressing cough. The respirations can be heard at a distance (as 
the disease progresses), and on making pressure in the region of 



DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 97 

the larynx, the animal evinces signs of uneasiness, suffocation, and 
pain. Soon the mucous, schneiderian, and conjunctivial mem- 
branes become reddened, the eyes protrude, the tongue tumefies, 
and external tumefaction in the region of the throat may be ob- 
served. Febrile symptoms are also present, manifested by cold- 
ness of the exterior and increased temperature of the interior 
parts. The nose appears dry, and the mouth is full of frothy saliva 
(sometimes lymphy mucus), and some difficulty is encountered in 
opening the latter. 

History of the Disease. — The following case, from the author's 
note-book, will probably prove interesting to the reader: The 
patient, a roan mare, aged seven. Temperament, lymphatic. 
Just arrived, in company with several other horses, from Ohio. 
The property of Mr. Banford, Merrimac stable, Boston. Our 
patient had been "ailing" some three or four days before our 
services were secured, at which time she was laboring under 
"alarming symptoms" bordering on suffocation. The pulse was 
indistinct, small, thready, and difficult to number, yet probably 
exceeded sixty. The breathing was croupy, or stertorous, and 
could be heard at a distance of several yards. The nostrils were 
dilated, and from them issued a lymphy discharge, mixed with traces 
of blood. The submaxillary space was somewhat tumefied, hard, 
unyielding, and seemed to constrict the larynx and its associate 
muscles. The eyes were prominent, their membranes congested, 
and streaks of tears escaped over the inner canthus. The flanks 
were bedewed with a cold, clammy perspiration. The tips of the 
ears were quite cold, and the limbs the same. Auscultation, in 
the region of the larynx, revealed a very laborious and crepitating 
mucous rale. The trachea itself seemed to be free from obstruc- 
tion. Thoracic auscultation elicited nothing tending to show that 
the lungs were involved. 

The patient appeared to be in a deplorable, in fact dying, con- 
dition, making a sort of gasping effort to inflate the lungs. There 
was little time to spare; and being satisfied that the larynx 
was the seat of obstruction, we immediately cut down upon the 
trachea, about five inches below the thyroid cartilage, and ampu- 
tated, from between two rings of the trachea, a piece, of an oval 
shape, corresponding in size to the caliber of Arnold's tracheotomy 
tube, which was the instrument used on this occasion. So soon 
as the opening into the trachea was effected, the patient experi- 
7 



98 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

enced instantaneous relief from suffocation, and all danger from 
the same seemed to have immediately passed away. The tube 
was now introduced and secured around the neck in the usual 
manner, after which the patient received an aloetic enema, and 
had a strong counter-irritant applied to the submaxillary space 
and throat, after which the fauces were swabbed with a weak 
solution of alum, by means of sponge secured to a piece of whale- 
bone. On examining the " swab," a sort of lymphy or albumin- 
ous concretion adhered to it ; the mucous membrane of the larynx 
was either injected or oedematous. The pharynx was not involved, 
as the animal, shortly after the operation, drank two quarts of 
water, containing two drachms of nitrate potassa. 

The tube remained within the trachea for a period of five days, 
during which time very little occurred worth recording, except 
that one night pneumatosis (distension of the cellular membrane 
with air) appeared, which yielded to a dose of hyposulphite of 
soda and an outward application ot liquor ammonia acetatis; and, 
also, on the fifth day, a submaxillary tumor was punctured, which 
discharged freely. At the end of the above period, it was ascer- 
tained, by holding a lighted lamp to the nostrils, at the same time 
stopping up the orifice in the instrument, that the animal breathed 
through the usual channel. Then the instrument was removed, 
the parts cleansed, and secured together by suture. The wounds 
healed by the usual process, and, at the end of three weeks, the 
animal was disposed of, and went to work. 

The operation of tracheotomy, formidable as it may appear to 
some, is unattended with danger ; yet, like every other process of 
surgery or medicine, is only calculated to relieve certain states 
peculiarly adapted to the remedy. For example, the operation is 
admissible in cases of nasal obstruction, from the presence of nasal 
polypus or other causes; spasm of the larynx, threatening suffo- 
cation ; suppurative laryngitis, when the animal is in great dis- 
tress for " breath ; " and in case of any foreign body occupying the 
larynx, which precludes the possibility of continuing the process 
of respiration. On the other hand, the operation is worse than 
useless in cases of lung difficulty, bronchial obstruction, or when 
obstruction occurs within the trachea posterior to the usual point 
selected for the operation. 



DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 99 

Cough in its Chronic and Acute Stage. 

According to veterinary jurisprudence, a cough, so long as it 
lasts, renders the animal unsound ; hence it is very important that 
we should know something about its cause, nature, and treat- 
ment. Chronic cough is often the result of indiscretion in the 
treatment of influenza, distemper, and disease of the respiratory 
apparatus. It usually depends on a morbid and irritable condition 
of the membrane found on the interior of the respiratory passages. 
The cough is generally aggravated by over-exertion, especially 
when the roads are dusty. Food of an inferior quality, and that 
of a musty character, has the same effect. 

It is generally supposed, by those persons who have not had the 
benefit of a medical education, that the presence of acute or chronic 
cough indicates diseased lungs, or disease in some parts of the 
organs of respiration. But this is not always the case ; for, when- 
ever the liver becomes diseased, the subject is very apt to be tor- 
mented with a harrassing cough, which lasts as long as that organ 
shall be the seat of disease. However, there are several symptoms 
to be observed in cases of functional or organic disease of the liver 
which are not present in lung disease ; hence there is no difficulty 
in the way of making a correct diagnosis. And for the benefit 
of the non-professional, the author would inform them that, in all 
cases of liver disease, a marked yellow tinge will be observed on 
the visible surfaces within the mouth ; the tongue slightly coated ; 
the dung unusually dark colored, and voided in hardened lumps, 
and the urine also of a dark yellow color. 

Treatment of Chronic Cough. — Give the patient daily one ounce 
of the fluid extract of Indian hemp (foreign), and offer him occa- 
sionally some flaxseed tea ; or sprinkle in his food, every night, a 
handful of unground flaxseed. Should this fail to effect a cure, 
prepare the following : 

No. 13. Fluid extract of bloodroot 4 oz. 

Fluid extract of pleurisy-root 6 oz. 

Common syrup \ pmt 

Mix. 

Dose, two ounces per day. 

The acute cough may be treated in the same manner as above, 
by substituting for the syrup half a pint of syrup of squills. 
In the case of liver disease, accompanied by cough, give the 



100 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

animal one ounce of fluid extract of mandrake every six hours, 
until it operates on the bowels, or the membranes of the mouth 
lose their yellow tinge. 

Roaring. 

Roaring is usually the result of structural alterations within 
the larynx, or upper part of the windpipe bordering on the 
trachea. In mild cases of roaring, we usually find a thickened 
state of the membrane lining the upper portion of the respiratory 
passage ; and when roaring is occasioned by thickening of this 
membrane, its degree depends on the ratio of decrease in the cali- 
ber of the tube breathed through. Roaring is a very aristocratic 
disease. Many of the very best and fastest horses in England 
were, and are now, notorious roarers. " Flying Childers," as fast 
a horse as ever wore horseshoes, was one of the worst roarers ever 
known. The story runs that when " Guilders " was at full speed, 
his roaring resembled juvenile thunder ! He could be heard when 
distant half a mile ! 

The worst form of this disease is whistling. This is the sharp 
shrill note not only occasioned by the thickening of the lining 
membrane of the primary passages of respiration, but by altera- 
tions in the form and structure of the larynx, the larynx being, 
in popular language, known as the " voice-box." 

Roaring is more prevalent among stallions than mares and 
geldings, and the kind of horse most subject to it is the one hav- 
ing a thick, chunky neck, and having the angles of the jaws in 
very close proximity with the neck. Roaring scarcely, if ever, 
admits of a radical cure ; and when of a hereditary or congenital 
origin, a cure is impossible. A roarer should never be incum- 
bered with a check-rein ; for it has the effect of causing undue 
pressure on the larynx, and thus augments the difficulty. Roaring 
can, however, be relieved by an operation known as tracheotomy, 
which is performed at a point a few inches below the larynx. 

At a meeting of the Imperial and Central Society of Veteri- 
nary Medicine, M. Leblanc read a communication on tracheot- 
omy which was performed on a carriage horse. The operation 
had been performed because the horse was a severe roarer ; and he 
wore the tube eighteen years and a half, doing fast work all the 
time. The animal was destroyed at twenty-three years of age, 
the owner not desiring to make further use of him nor to sell 



DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 101 

him. Since the operation, Leblanc had not observed any 
change in the horse, except a depression of the bones of the face. 
After death, the Jarynx was found very narrow, the mucous mem- 
brane and submucous cellular tissues were thickened, the epiglot- 
tis deformed, very obtuse, and everted at its free margin. The 
changes in the larynx were the original cause of roaring. The 
depression of the bones of the face was connected with constric- 
tion of the nasal chambers, and was evidently secondary to the 
change in the course of the air in the process of respiration. The 
parts of the trachea in contact with the tube had undergone a 
transformation into very hard tissue. It filled the trachea above 
the point where the tube had been introduced, and intermixed 
with this firm fibrous deposit was a cartilaginous and osseous tissue, 
which offered great resistance to the scalpel. Roaring, thick wind, 
whistling, etc., are often the sequel of strangles, influenza, laryn- 
gitis, and other affections of the respiratory passages, and hence 
have an accidental origin. In such cases, we may entertain a hope 
of doing some good by means of medicinal agents and counter- 
irritation. 

Treatment. — The medicines which have proved most successful 
in my practice are as follows: 

No. 14. Iodide of potass 4 oz. 

Fluid extract of stillingia 12 oz. 

Water 4 oz. 

Mix. 

Give the patient two ounces daily, by means of a small vial; 
and rub the region of the throat every night with a portion of 
the following : 



No. 15. Cod-liver oil 

Spirits of camphor. 



I equal parts. 



Polypus within the Nostrils. 

Polypus is the name given to an excrescence, or tumor, which 
has its origin from the surface of the membrane lining the nasal 
cavities. It is designated as growing from a mucous membrane, 
having a narrow neck and body, resembling, in shape, a pear. 
The usual symptoms attending the presence of polypus in the nasal 
cavities are as follows : Difficulty of breathing, evidently occasioned 
by obstruction in the air-passages. 




102 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Percivall informs us that the true polypus is at- 
tached to mucous membranes, and is usually found in 
the nasal cavities. He tells us that attending the diffi- 
culty of breathing is a mucous discharge from one or 
both nostrils, sometimes attended by a discharge of 
blood. Occasionally, however, pure blood run,s con- 
tinuously from the nose. Inspection in a full light dis- 
TviTHiN the closes, higher or lower in the nostril, the rounded base 

NOSTRIL. ' ~ ' 

of a polypus. 

Treatment. — The services of a veterinary surgeon are, as a 
matter of course, here needed. The patient must be cast and the 
head fixed in a position so as to take advantage of the light. The 
operator then passes into the nostril and around the tumor an in- 
strument called an ecraiseur, which will remove the tumor without 
loss of blood. If the instrument is not at hand, the surgeon will 
pass a ligature around the base of the tumor, and in the course of 
a couple of days it will be detached. Percivall, recommends 
that, in bringing down the tumor for operation, we must not use 
any great force. The pedicle being but a duplicature of the skin, 
and uot a portion of the polypus itself, may be divided anywhere. 
In some cases, the polypus is so high up within the nostril that, 
in order to get at its base, it becomes necessary to make an incis- 
ion through the wall of the nostril. 

Chabert, in his " Veterinary Instructions," relates the follow- 
ing : " A horse in a cavalry regiment had been gradually losing 
flesh, and was quickly and painfully blown at every little exer- 
tion. Fetid matter began to run from his off nostril, and the 
gland correspondent enlarged. The horse was supposed by the 
sergeant-farrier to be glandered, (there being no veterinary sur- 
geons then in the French service,) and was treated accordingly. 
After a time, to the confusion and astonishment of the man, a 
fleshy substance began to appear in the nostril, and which rapidly 
increased in size. At length a great mass protruded, and the far- 
rier cut it off. Xo benefit followed ; the nostril was still stopped, 
the breathing laborious, and the horse daily became thinner and 
weaker. After the lapse of a twelvemonth, the case attracted 
the attention of M. Tears, the surgeon of the regiment. He cast 
the horse and slit up the nostril, when he not only found it com- 
pletely filled with polypus, and the septum narium bulging into 
the other division of the cavity, but, from long-continued inflani- 



DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 103 

mation and pressure, it adhered to the membrane of the nose in so 
many points, and so extensively, that it was impossible to get 
round it or move it. He contrived, at length, to pass a crucial 
bandage around it, and it was torn out by main force. Four con- 
siderable portions of the turbinated bones were brought aAvay with 
it. The hemorrhage was excessive. He however filled the nos- 
tril completely with tow, and brought the divided edges of the 
false nostril together by sutures. In three days they were all 
torn out by the incessant attempts of the animal to get rid of the 
obstruction; but the horse eventually did well. The polypus 
weighed two pounds seven ounces." 

Gohier relates a case of a horse who had in his left nostril a 
polypus as large as a turkey's egg, of a grayish color and glossy 
surface, too high up to be reached with the finger, which prevented 
his breathing on that side, and gave rise to offensive effluvium, to 
enlargement of the lymphatic glands, but not to roaring. Go- 
hier slit up the nostril, and, with an iron rod with a notch upon 
its end, contrived to inclose its neck in the slip-knot of a liga- 
ture. In drawing this tight, however — which was, of necessity, 
done in an oblique direction — the pedicle was cut through. Little 
hemorrhage succeeded, although the tumor weighed twenty-four 
ounces. The slit nostril was sewn up, and* cold water injected into 
its cavity. A copious discharge from both nostrils followed, with 
swelling of the lymphatic glands. This was met by proper treat- 
ment, and in fifteen days the patient was sent out of the hospital. 

Bronchocele (commonly known as Enlargement of 
the Thyroid Glands, or Goitre). 

Bronchocele, or enlargement of the thyroid glands, is a disease 
which very frequently makes its appearance among certain breeds 
of horses and sheep, and is supposed to owe its origin to heredi- 
tary predispositions and influences. It is also very prevalent 
among members of the human family. It seems to acquire a 
home in certain localities in Derbyshire, England, where it is 
said to be a very common disorder; but its occurrence in other 
parts of that country is by no means frequent. Among the in- 
habitants of the Alps, and other mountainous countries bordering 
thereon, it is a disease very often met with. 

The uncastrated animals seem to suffer, most. After they get 



104 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

to be about eight years of age, the tumors acquire such magni- 
tude that they press on the vocal organs, so as to decrease the 
caliber of the larynx, and thus the animal becomes a "roarer." 
Judging from what we know of the disease in the human subject, 
the glands, while undergoing enlargement, do not occasion much 
pain. The danger arises from mechanical causes, and the death 
of the subject, if it occur, is due to asphyxia, or suffocation. 
Among horses there are very few fatal cases on record. The 
reverse is the case as regards sheep. When these glands are 
much enlarged, and the animal is near or past the adult age, it 
is very unsafe to attempt their removal by means of the knife; 
for at this stage they are highly vascular, and the arteries which 
run into them are much enlarged. The operation has been suc- 




8H0WINO THE TUMOE OP BBONCHOOELE IN THE REGION OP THE THROAT. 

cessfully performed on lambs, but it must be done when they are 
quite young, and the artery must be secured before the gland is 
extirj>ated, or the animal will bleed to death in a few seconds. It 
is well known among the members of the profession that the dis- 
ease is incurable; and the same remarks apply to all hereditary 
diseases, yet the growth of the glands may be retarded by means 
of local and constitutional treatment. 

The thyroid glands are two ovoid bodies, varying in size from 
a filbert to an egg, located in the region of the thyroid cartilage 
(throat), one on each side of the trachea (windpipe). Their at- 
tachments are cellular. When, cut into, they exhibit a porus tex- 
ture, highly vascular, well supplied with blood-vessels. Very 
little is known of their physiology. They are called vascular 



DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 105 

glands without ducts or outlets, and thus they correspond with 
the spleen, thymus gland, and supra-renal capsules, all of which, 
when in active operation, are largely supplied with blood. As 
regards the function of each, they may be supposed to separate 
certain materials from the blood, and only differ from ordinary 
glands in not having a direct outlet. Consequently, not knowing 
the precise part which the thyroid glands play in the animal 
economy, it would be very unwise to remove them, when their 
enlargement, in some cases, amounts to little else than an " eye- 
sore." Their enlargement is generally the consequence, and not 
the cause, of disease. Men, horses, dogs, and cattle of the scrof- 
ulous diathesis, are known to have what may be termed chronic 
enlargement of these glands, and this peculiarity would seem to 
indicate that the thyroid glands are somewhat associated with the 
lymphatic system. Then, again, we find these glands enlarged 
in cases of throat and lung difficulties — in catarrh, influenza, dis- 
temper, etc. — so that their extirpation would not remove the 
original difficulty. In such cases they decrease in size as soon 
as the original malady ceases. The enlargement is not then of 
a permanent character. 

Treatment. — Should the enlargement appear to exist independ- 
ent of febrile symptoms, twenty-five grains of the iodide of 
potassium may be given daily, in water (which the patient will 
not refuse to drink), and a small portion of the ointment of 
iodide of potassium may be rubbed on the enlargement, with 
decided advantage : 

No. 16. Iodide of potassium 1 part. 

Lard 8 parts. 

Mix. 

On the Action of Iodine. — Iodine and its compounds are the 
principal agents used by veterinary surgeons for the treatment of 
glandular affections, and they supersede, to a certain Extent, the 
preparations of quicksilver, in the form of mercury, which are 
apt to be absorbed into the system, and thus produce mischief. 

Morton, in his " Manual of Pharmacy," thus alludes to iodine : 
"The action of iodine and its compounds is markedly seen on 
glandular structure, and newly-formed and abnormal growths. 
For the latter they seem to manifest a decided preference, which 
renders them so valuable as therapeutic agents. Their influence 
is that of a stimulant to the absorbents; and by means of these 



106 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

vessels, when those agents have been long and injudiciously given, 
it is recorded that the mammae of women and the testes of men 
have almost disappeared. A case illustrative of the effects of 
iodine on the glandular system was related by Mr. Wardle, who 
employs this agent largely, and with considerable success. He 
had been for some weeks exhibiting the iodide of potassium, and 
also applying it externally to a bull for an enlarged parotid gland. 
The reduction of the swelling having been accomplished, his at- 
tention was directed to the testicles of his patient, which had be- 
come so much diminished in size; and it was also found that the 
animal had no desire to copulate. Four months generous feed, 
however, effectually restored the parts to their pristine state. 

In chronic enlargements of the submaxillary, parotid, mam- 
mary, and other glands ; in tumors of long standing ; for thick- 
ening of the integuments, and indurated swellings about the joints, 
in all our domestic animals, and for unhealthy ulcerated surfaces, 
the use of iodine and its compounds is indicated, combining both 
their internal and external employment. The latter should be 
accompanied with friction ; and so soon as soreness is induced, the 
application of the compound must be suspended. A desquama- 
tion, or scaling off of the cuticle, or skin, usually follows this, and 
a reduction of the swelling will soon after be perceptible. Unfor- 
tunately, it is too often the case that, if the expectations of the 
practitioner are not at once realized, the agent is discarded as use- 
less. Now, the compounds of iodine rank among those substances 
whose operation is slow, but which, at the same time, constitute 
an important class, as their effects are permanent." 

Influenza, or Epizootic Catarrh. 

Influenza is a disease of a catarrhal character, always accompa- 
nied by gr£lt weakness or debility. It is apt to migrate from one 
tissue to another, and thus produce various complications. In sta- 
bles that are badly ventilated, or over-crowded with horses, the 
malady is apt to make sad havoc, and assume a malignancy ending 
in typhoid or typhus fever. 

In some cases the heart or lungs become congested, and thus 
their function is embarrassed. The blood accumulates carbon, the 
heart fails to propel, and the lungs to vitalize the blood. This 
state demands stimulants of a character that shall excite vital action, 



DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 107 

and tend to effect chemical changes in the blood. The most valu- 
able agent, in this view, is carbonate of ammonia. In veterinary 
practice this agent is considered as one of the most valuable diffu- 
sible stimulants. It acts first on the nerves of the stomach, and 
through them excites the whole nervous system. It may be given 
in doses from one to three drachms, either in the form of bolus or 
drench. Its stimulating influence over the heart and nervous sys- 
tem may be increased by the addition of one or more drachms of 
good Jamaica ginger. This treatment may be continued until 
congestion subsides, which may be known by the fullness of pulse 
and heat of the external surface of the body, and by other symp- 
toms which usually attend fever in its inflammatory stage. 

The exciting or stimulating plan of treatment must never be 
entirely abandoned. To husband the powers of the system, and 
thus guard against subsequent prostration, must be our chief object. 
Although the case may require a sedative to-day, in the form of 
two or three drachms of fluid extract of gelseminum, yet, in the 
course of a very few hours, the prostration becomes so apparent that 
we are again compelled to exhibit life-sustaining agents. Excit- 
ants, or counter-excitants, are also, at times, needed externally. 
If the patient has a deep-seated cough, strong liniment, composed 
of oil of hartshorn (and sometimes oil of camphor), must be applied. 
Often I anoint the parts with a thick paste, composed of mustard 
and vinegar. The membranes of the fauces (throat) are exces- 
sively sore ; then the same course has to be pursued. At the same 
time, a mucilaginous drink, composed of flaxseed sweetened with 
honey, must be allowed. The nervous system must also be aroused 
by the application of the above liniment to the spinal column. 
At another stage of the malady, diaphoresis (increased perspiration) 
must be excited by clothing the body with flannel, and drenching 
with a preparation known as solution of acetate of ammonia, to 
the amount of six or eight ounces per day, until the skin feels soft 
and warm. In case sedema (local dropsy) of the body or extremi- 
ties sets in, the patient then requires diuretics. One or two ounces 
of sweet spirits of niter, or two ounces fluid extract of buchu, may 
be given in linseed tea, until the kidneys respond, and the secretion 
of urine becomes augmented. The bowels are sometimes inactive, 
but that inactivity may be corrected by adding to a bran-mash 
from four to six drachms of fluid extract of mandrake. Occa- 
sionally the patient becomes uneasy, paws with his fore-feet, and 



108 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

evinces signs of abdominal pain. In that event, he should have 
two or three drachms of fluid extract of Indian hemp. These 
latter symptoms indicate danger, showing that the bowels are 
congested, and the result may be mortification of the same. 

The following case, occurring in the author's practice, goes to 
show that influenza may sometimes be followed by an acute disease 
of the brain, pleurisy, etc. : The patient was a bay gelding, aged 
about eight years. The groom informed me that the disease was 
ushered in by a shivering fit. Soon a discharge from both nos- 
trils ensued. The throat became sore; cough and laborious 
respiration followed, and the animal became so weak that it was 
almost impossible to back him out of the stall. He ate but little, 
and in the act of drinking, the water returned through his nos- 
trils. The treatment was commenced in the usual manner, by 
administering tonics and stimulants, which seemed to have a good 
effect on him. He also received enemas of soap-suds; yet, not- 
withstanding, symptoms of pleurisy supervened. He appeared to 
suffer much pain, and was very unwilling to have the region of 
the chest explored. The least pressure on the region of the inter- 
costal spaces would cause him to grunt or groan with pain. The 
pulse was active and wiry, and the visible surfaces were much 
reddened. I administered a full dose of powdered niter, and 
twenty drops of aconite; and fearing effusion into the chest, I 
plastered the walls of the same with hot vinegar and mustard. 
The latter made the patient very uneasy, and he cut up all kinds 
of capers. In the course of a few hours I repeated the dose, and 
left the patient for the night. Next morning I again visited him, 
and was informed that he had made several attempts to get up in 
the manger. I noticed that his head was elevated, and the eyes 
fiery red. He acted wildly and showed decided symptoms of 
phrenzy. On attempting to administer a sedative, the animal 
went into convulsions, and I was compelled to make my escape 
from the stall as quick as possible. He soon got his fore-feet over 
the tops of an adjoining stall, five feet in height, remained there 
for a short time, when he scrambled over and fell like a log right 
into the next stall. I never expected to see him rise again ; but 
after a few minutes, with some assistance, he got up. I gave him 
twenty drops of aconite. During this day the frantic animal 
went over a stall twice in succession, and fell very heavily each 
time on his back, yet did not appear to have suffered any injury. 



DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 109 

Most of the time he appeared frantic, yet unconscious ; and just 
before going into a convulsive fit, he would stamp with his fore- 
feet, continuously toss up his head, his neck being the seat of 
spasmodic twistings. Next day the symptoms had not altered 
much, and, during my examination, he pulled back, broke a por- 
tion of his manger to which he was tied, and fell head over heels 
on the floor. During the forenoon he became more calm, and lay 
on the floor, yet would occasionally jerk his head backward, and 
have slight convulsions. I continued the prostrating plan of 
treatment, only exhibiting smaller doses, and soon the patient began 
to improve. The membranes of the eyes, mouth, and nostrils as- 
sumed a more natural appearance ; then the plan of treatment was 
altered, and the patient received tonics and stimulants, which soon 
resulted in convalescence. 

Among all the cases that have come under my care and observa- 
tion, I have neither found it advisable nor necessary to practice 
the antiphlogistic treatment, in so far as it relates to bleeding and 
purging ; and I can not conceive a case, so depressing as influenza 
is known to be, that would require any such heroic treatment. 
The safety of our patient depends on the judicious application of 
remedies such as are here named, and, therefore, I would warn the 
farmer against the use of fleam and cathartic in the treatment of 
influenza. Yet, after all, the best treatment may fail in restoring 
a patient. We require aid in the form of pure air, suitable diet, 
and good nursing. Failing in the latter important adjuncts, our 
treatment avails but little. 

Influenza is a disease accompanied by a discharge from the res- 
piratory, conjunctival, and schneiderian membranes; and the 
organs of respiration themselves are more or less involved, as 
shown by cough and soreness of the throat, lassitude, fever, thirst, 
and loss of appetite. Now, if the term influenza means any thing, 
it signifies epidemic catarrh, and the cases alluded to were not of 
this character, but quite diverse, indicating a low congestive state. 
Still, the majority of cases that we have seen do appear to be noth- 
ing more nor less than influenza ; but if the above diseases appear 
simultaneous with the latter, there is danger of persons making 
great mistakes in the treatment, for it is very apt to run into 
typhoid fever. 



110 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



Typhus or Typhoid Affections. 

The veterinary surgeons of England have hitherto maintained 
a remarkable silence on the subject of typhoid affections occurring 
among horses; and so late as the year 1850, Mr. Percivall in- 
forms the world, through the pages of the " Veterinarian," that in 
London very little is known about such disease. In view, there- 
fore, of lighting up the dark spots that exist in our department on 
this side of the water, we furnish a translation from the French, by 
Mr. Percivall. The article is a selection from a prize memoir 
written by a distinguished surgeon. It is preceded, as the reader 
will perceive, by a review from the pen of the translator, who 
says: 

" In the ' Collection of Memoirs and Observations on (French) 
Military Veterinarian Hygiene and Medicine,' which we have so 
lately been engaged in examining, are contained two prize 
memoirs — one on Farcy, the other on Typhoid Affections 
in horses.* On the latter of these we would make a few remarks, 
if it were only for the reason of showing what is meant to be un- 
derstood by such imposing titles. Typhus and typhoid are words 
but rarely heard in our own country in connection with veterinary, 
or at least with hippiatric, medicine. Our old writers on farriery 
described fevers in horses as very destructive in their character, 
requiring antiphlogistic treatment : 

"'Typhus Fever. — A disease touching which we (the author) are 
in possession of but few observations, and one that has been, and 
still is, in our opinion, mistaken for and confounded with either 
enteritis or gastro-enteritis — in cases, for example, in which its 
consequences are of little importance — though, perhaps, with pu- 
trid fever, when, on the other hand, malignant and exhibiting 
extraordinary violence, its progress is rapid and its termination 
fatal. In its most benignant form, typhus fever, indeed, bears so 
great a resemblance to pure inflammation of the primary intestinal 
passages, that it is often difficult, very difficult, even to distinguish 
them. As for the cause which occasions it to be confounded with 
putrid fever, it is no matter of astonishment to us, since, in our 
opinion, one fever possesses, in many respects, so great an analogy 

*The reader will find an article on Typhus Fever, but in an enzootic form, in 
"The Veterinarian," vol. xxii, p. 462. 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. Ill 

with the other; while typhus itself, through causes which remain 
latent up to the present hour, is, like the gastro-enteritis of 1825, 
dangerous, fatal, and epizootic. In general, typhus fever begins 
without any warning, though there are times in which its ap- 
proach is marked by dullness and weakness, and a manifestation 
of being easily fatigued, sweating through little exertion, etc., 
with loss of appetite. 

Of the first stage, the most remarkable symptoms are either a 
yellow redness of the pituitary membrane, or a dryness or a dis- 
charge of viscous matter, which adheres in thick incrustations 
around the alse of the nostrils, with, occasionally, an appearance 
of drops of blood. The nostrils are more or less dilated, the res- 
piration more or less frequent, according to the sharpness of the 
abdominal pains, or the existence of a lamentable complication of 
thoracic with abdominal disease. The ear applied to the wind- 
pipe or to the walls of the thorax, almost always detects a well- 
marked mucous rale; also there is cough, with full, strong, and 
frequent pulse. 

In the second stage, the mouth becomes dry, and sometimes dis- 
plays aphthae or cracks of some depth. The tongue is red about 
its point and along its sides, but its middle and base are of a deep 
yellow tint. The breath is tainted. When abdominal symptoms 
are present, which is not always the case, they are sufficiently 
well marked. The dung is either very hard, or it is, more com- 
monly, liquid ; sometimes it is bloody, and issues a fetid odor, the 
debility frequently being such at this period as to cause constant 
opening of the anus. The pituitary membrane is dry, and covered 
with bloody points. The conjunctival membrane is reddened and 
infiltrated, and, like the pituitary, presents petechial patches. 
The pulse has not its force and fullness, etc. Some veterinarians 
have remarked, at this period, upon the insides of the thighs those 
little vesicles to which the name of sudamina has been given. 
Urine scanty, possessing a remarkable fetor, and voided occasion- 
ally with great pain; great dejection, and occasional stupor; and, 
ordinarily, at this period it is that the ataxic or adynamic symp- 
toms set in. 

In the third stage, the parotids tumefy and ulcerate. Any setons 
or rowels that may have been introduced, or blisters, become so 
many causes of mortification of the parts in which they have been 
applied. And now the mouth becomes quite dried up ; the tongue 



112 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

acquires a horny feel, and turns brown; the gums and teeth are 
covered with a dingy slime. Bleeding from the nose, which mostly 
appears during the inflammatory stage, now returns. The pulse 
becomes irregular and more feeble; oedema, sometimes consider- 
able, of the extremities ; great debility. The temperature of the 
body sinks. The neck, belly, flanks, axilla, and groins become 
covered with cold and clammy sweats; the tympanitis increases, 
the evacuations being bloody and fetid to a remarkable degree. 
The animal, continually in pain, exhibits symptoms of colic, often 
seeking to lie down ; but if he does, he soon rises again. Respi- 
ration greatly accelerated ; nostrils widely dilated ; pulsations of 
the heart tumultuous. At length, beginning to stagger, he falls, 
either to die an easy death or to expire amid agonizing convulsions. 
When, however, recovery in place of death follows, such symp- 
toms as we have last detailed do not occur, or with only modified 
force and character. When blood has been drawn for experiment, 
under such circumstances, at a time when adynamic and biliary 
symptoms prevailed, it has been found to contain but little hema- 
tosine, but, on the contrary, a large proportion of serum, of a light 
greenish hue. The disease may last from four, seven, or eight to 
thirty days. Relapse is extremely likely, even under every pros- 
pect of convalescence, unless great care be taken. The diagnosis 
at the commencement is difficult, even impossible, when the char- 
acteristic symptoms are but scantily and imperfectly developed. 

The affections whose symptoms most resemble those of the dis- 
ease before us are plegmasia of the intestinal tube, and particular 
of the brain. Should sudamina be detected, they are, as in human 
medicine, to be regarded as definitely characteristic of typhoid 
fever. Prognosis, for the most part, unfavorable; and the more 
so according as the nervous accompaniments are more numerous, 
more violent, and more early in showing themselves; the stupor 
great, the strength failing more, the pulse faltering, the diarrhea 
greater, more bloody, fetid, etc. 

Our etiology is all at fault. In truth, we know not the deter- 
mining cause of typhus. The post-mortem states are by no means 
agreed upon by those who have reported them. Most agree that 
the digestive canal exhibits the most constant and marked symp- 
toms of disorder. The mouth presents marks of inflammation, 
and, on occasions, aphtha? or ulcerations, though commonly too su- 
perficial to destroy the living membrane. The pharynx sometimes 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 113 

the same as the mouth; at others, nothing. The stomach is fre- 
quently the seat of inflammation of a marked character. The 
intestines also reddened, to more or less extent. The cavity of 
the peritoneum, containing a citron-colored fluid, reddened, per- 
haps, the omentum being at times almost entirely destroyed. A 
liquid matter — a sort of bloody corruption of more or less consist- 
ence — is often found within the cavities of the small guts ; and in 
those of the large, the csecum and colon in particular, are some- 
times to be remarked red and black spots, or ecchymoses, buds of 
smaller or larger size (glandes de Bruner} indistinctly planted over 
the mucous surface. 

Malignant or Putrid Typhus — (Typhus Charbonneaux.) — These 
malignant and putrid affections, either constitutional, or, in some 
instances, but local in their origin, ever of a highly acute nature 
and of unequaled rapidity of progress, since not unfrequently they 
cause death in a few hours, are of more consequence for us to be- 
come acquainted with, as they are not only susceptible of being 
communicated from one animal to another, but even from animal 
to man, in whom, losing none of their malignity, they are likewise 
most commonly mortal. Frequently sporadic, sometimes epizootic, 
but most commonly enzootic, these diseases at times assume so re- 
doubtable a form that nothing can arrest their progress. Invading 
farms or other extensive localities, they produce therein terrific 
ravages; for, being susceptible under various forms, almost equally 
fatal one with another, of prostrating a vast number of animals of 
the same or different species, these affections determine, under vary- 
ing circumstances, losses which, on occasions, desolate and com- 
pletely ruin the country where they have broken out. 

Such are the two especial forms of typhus fever which have 
been observed among horse-kind — one of which would seem to 
occur at times in practice without being sufficiently heeded or re- 
cognized by veterinary surgeons in this country, while the other 
may be said to comprehend those malignant epidemics by which 
our cattle, if not our horses, have, of late years, been too fearfully 
visited.' " 

In the treatment of typhoid affections, we endeavor to give tone 
to the system by furnishing nutritious diet, tonic, and stimulating 
medicines. Ginger and golden seal, with a small portion of hy- 
posulphite of soda, are the best remedies. 

8 



114 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 




PLAN OF A VAPOR BATH USED IN THE TREATMENT OF LUNG AFFECTIONS. 

Explanation.— a, represents a boiler originally erected for the purpose of supplying the infirmary 
with hot water ; e, is the main pipe issuing from the top of the boiler receiving the steam, and 
conducting it, when not required for other purposes, into either a flue or the open air at b; e 
and / are branch pipes from the main one (c), / being that which conducts the steam into a 
worm (h), winding through a condensing trough (g); e. the branch pipe which conducts the 
steam (prevented by stop-cock from going in the other direction ' into the bath, the place of 
admission (n) being on one side, close to the floor, at a point intermediate between the horse's 
fore and hind feet while standing in the bath, with his head outside" m is the bath, being a 
horse-box, such as is used for embarking horses on board of ship, with the addition of a lining 
of flannel, a roofing of hoops and tilting, and curtains over the doors, front and back, to pre- 
vent the escape of steam. The box, being placed upon wheels, serves, besides being used as a 
bath, for the transport of sick or lame horses ; and, having doors at both ends, and a moveable 
platform for the horse to walk in upon, is, in general, entered without any great deal of unwill- 
ingness. 



Pneumonia (Inflammation of the Lungs). 

Inflammation of the lungs, known to veterinarians as pneu- 
monia, is not apt to be so prevalent among horned creatures as 
among horses, except, however milch cows, when they are located 
in filthy, unventilated milking establishments. In such places 
diseases of the lungs are often fearfully prevalent, raging as an 
epizootic, as it did a few years ago in the swill-milk establish- 
ments of New York. It makes sad havoc when prevalent among 
a large herd that may be confined in a barn or stable of con- 
tracted proportions. All domestic animals require plenty of 
room, as well as light and pure air; for it is now pretty clearly 
demonstrated that the pleuro-pneumonia, which appeared in 
Massachusetts, in 1860, on the premises of Mr. Chenery, arose 
there spontaneously. His barn, or rather the basement, where 
the cattle lived, was a room fifty feet square and only eight 
feet in height. The walls on the north, and a portion of the 












DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 115 

east and west sides, were composed of brick, and the remainder 
of boards, with joints battened. On the south, east, and west 
sides were glass windows ; on the north side a door opened into 
the vegetable cellar, and on the roof there was a sky-light. A 
stairway led to the hay-loft above, another to the manure cellar 
below, both closed by doors. The manure cellar was eight feet 
deep, and extended under the whole room. In the winter and 
spring of 1859 were confined forty head of cattle, arranged on 
three sides, with their heads toward the center ; and within that 
center was another square, containing animals, so arranged that 
almost all were brought face to face. The manure cellar, about 
this time, contained from fifty to one hundred cords of manure, 
with from ten to twenty hogs in it. " This," says Mr. Chenery, 
" was my condition in the beginning of the year 1860. I had 
buried nearly half of my herd. I had experimentally acquired 
a knowledge of the fact that, in order to keep animals alive and 
in health, it was absolutely necessary that they should be supplied 
with pure air as well as with good food and pure water." 

So far as the direct or indirect causes of pneumonia are con- 
cerned, we may safely infer that crowding and a bad system of \/ 
ventilation includes them all. Yet, among horses, this disease 
often originates as the consequence of laborious work and feats 
of speed, which produces rapid and sometimes distressing respira- 
tions; but among cattle, whose powers of speed and endurance 
are not often put to the test, and whose natural respirations are 
slower, we infer that impure air, and perhaps exposure, too, are 
more operative than action or ill-usage. 

The stimulating and morbid action of an impure atmosphere 
may produce a disease of this character by its irritating eifects on 
the highly vascular membrane which lines the bronchi and air- 
cells. But then we all know that impure air fails to decarbonize 
the blood ; hence it is rendered unfit to enter the system. It has 
been noticed, however, by the drovers of the East, that when cat- 
tle have been driven a long distance without food, and in tem- 
pestuous weather, they are apt to become the subjects of diseased s/ 
lungs. Fortunately for the poor brute, pneumonia is not so pain- 
ful as bronchitis, pleurisy, or laryngitis ; and having passed through 
the acute stage, which is usually brief, it assumes a mild or sub- 
acute form, and ends in altered structure of the lungs, known as 
induration (hardening) or hepatization (liver-like), or it may end 



116 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

in pleurisy, and ultimately dropsy of the chest. I should judge 
that cattle, when the subjects of pneumonia, suffer less than horses, 
from the fact that the former will lie down during the progress of 
the disease, and the horse is scarcely, if ever, known to do so until 
shortly before he dies. In the horse, this malady occasionally 
takes a metastatic turn ; that is, the disease is translated to the feet 
or brain, producing an affection of a very formidable and acute 
character. Among cattle, however, such translation is very rare. 

Forms of Pneumonia.- 1 - P 'neumonia is divided into several stages 
and forms, but as such refer more to its degree or intensity, I shall 
only inform the reader that pneumonia may exist either as a con- 
dition of congestion or of inflammation. Congestion signifies a 
distended or plethoric state of the blood-vessels of the substance 
of the lungs, and slow motion of the blood ; and it sometimes 
sets in as suddenly as that form which is termed inflammatory; 
among cattle the former form is more prevalent. In the conges- 
tive stage the symptoms are those of embarrassment — the blood 
courses through its vessels sluggishly, and there is not that activity 
of the heart and lungs which is noticed in inflammatory pneu- 
monia. 

Symptoms of Inflammation of the Lungs. — There are many symp- 
toms attending lung disease which are common to various other 
forms or affections. These must be inferred ; for, by detailing 
them, I might only confound the non-medical reader, and render 
the diagnosis difficult, and, perhaps, impossible. The symptoms, 
in the early stages, are such as are usually observed at the com- 
mencement of febrile diseases, viz. : coldness of the extremities, 
and slight shivering fits ; loss of appetite ; labored respiration : 
pulse variable, and the mouth hot and clammy ; the animal heaves 
at the flanks, is rather unwilling to move, and the fore-legs are 
widely separated, while the head is held in a drooping position. 
As the disease progresses, these symptoms vary more or less, and 
the appearance of the membranes of the mouth, nose, and eyes 
may vary from the color of bright scarlet to that of a leaden hue. 
In congestive pneumonia, the pulse is more voluminous, yet less 
active, than in health, or in acute disease. A cough, slight or 
active, as the case may be, is usually noticed ; it is a sort of deep- 
seated, half-suppressed one, and sometimes it is the first symptom 
which calls the owner's attention to the ailing animal. 

Treatment. — It is important, at the commencement of the treat- 



DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 117 

ment, that the patient shall be placed in a comfortable shed or 
barn, where pure air abounds; for, under such circumstances, 
the cooperation of Nature in the cure of the malady is secured. 
Should the disease be of an acute character, it will be accom- 
panied by quick or labored respiration, and a strong, wiry pulse. 
In that event, I should give two drachms of the tincture of gel- 
seminum. The brisket and sides of the chest are to be rubbed 
occasionally with mustard and vinegar. This acts as a counter- 
irritant, and diverts the blood from the lungs to the surface. It 
was customary, in former years, to bleed and purge almost all 
animals when attacked with acute pneumonia; but as the mor- 
tality was then very great, and less under a more rational sys- 
tem, we are led to believe that bad treatment was the cause of 
our want of success. Two or three doses of gelseminum, given 
at intervals of six or eight hours, will, together with the elapsed 
time, have a tendency to modify the affection. Then active medi- 
cation is to be suspended, and we immediately give life-sustaining 
agents, which consist of pure air, water, proper food, tonics, and 
stimulants. The best tonics and stimulants that I know of 
are powdered golden seal and ginger, equal parts. Dose, half 
an ounce night and morning, as a drench; or two ounces, night 
and morning, of the fluid extract of resin weed may be substituted. 
The animal should have one ounce of powdered chlorate of potass 
every twelve hours, until it is evident that convalescence is ap- 
proaching, or has actually set in, when it may be discontinued. 
The best way to administer the chlorate of potass, is to dissolve it 
in a few quarts of linseed tea, or an infusion of slippery elm, 
which should be kept in a bucket before the animal until he has 
partaken of the whole of it. The chlorate of potass is also indi- 
cated as a valuable agent in the treatment of all lung affections, 
including pleuro-pneumonia and pleurisy ; its use is to be discon- 
tinued, however, when the urinary secretion becomes much aug- 
mented, or it may overwork the kidneys. Chlorate of potass acts 
as a sedative to the nervous system and to the circulation, and is a 
stimulant to the digestive organs and kidneys. For all cases of 
congestive pneumonia, or when the surface of the body is cold, as 
well as the limbs and ears, warm stimulants are indicated — ginger 
and golden seal ; and, if possible, the body and limbs should be 
clothed, for the purpose of maintaining the natural heat of the skin, 
and of producing an equilibrium of the circulation ; for when an 



118 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

equilibrium in the circulation of the blood is secured, then con- 
gestion ceases to exist. 

I would caution my readers not to place too much reliance in 
art and medicine for the cure of disease. The physician does 
much good when he practices rationally — constitutes himself the 
servant of Nature, does her bidding, and does the system no harm 
in the use of poisons and meddlesome medication. In the treat- 
ment of many forms of curable disease it is often a question of 
time; they will "have their run." Hence, what we most need 
is patience, great faith in Nature, and a moderate degree of faith 
in drugs. The great trouble is, our instruction derived from text- 
books and veterinary institutions of learning tends to develop 
heroic notions of medicine and its powers, and to depress those 
more potent remedies, the vitalizing and reanimating forces of 
Nature. A case of heroism of this kind, as an example, I must 
now relate, in order to illustrate my position : 

Mr. S , of Chicago, bought of Mr. P a fine, promising 

young gelding, aged about eight years. The purchaser had used 
him during a period of five weeks with perfect satisfaction. Sud- 
denly the newly-purchased animal became sick, and the services 
of a noted blacksmith were secured. The man of" tongs and ham- 
mer," idealizing that the patient was the subject of the prevailing 
influenza, gave the patient " fits," in the form of the administra- 
tion of a physic ball. He then abstracted two gallons of blood. 
The horse grew no better very fast. In consequence, he got more 
medicine. Purgation set in, which continued for twenty-four 
hours, when the horse died. The lives of many valuable animals 
are thus sacrificed. Finally, those men generally become the most 
distinguished who soonest emancipate themselves from the theory 
of the heroic schools of medicine. 

The plan of treatment here recommended may appear to some 
of our readers as very simple. That is just what we claim for it. 
It is the simplicity of the practice which makes it really valuable, 
because such a system harmonizes with the law of Nature, and does 
not oppose her forces, which are always operating physiologically 
for the restoration of the sick and infirm ; and it is our business, 
as rational physicians, to aid Nature in all possible ways. This 
is the kind of knowledge that we require — how to aid Nature, or 
give her the required assistance; and, in view of obtaining that 
information, we must read the great book of Nature, as its leaves 



DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 119 

are unfolded to us in the various departments of her great domain. 
We must altogether abandon a blind faith in doses of poisonous 
medicines and bleedings ; otherwise, all our efforts are as but a 
withering simoom. For example, over seventy thousand head of 
cattle have lately perished of what has been called the "rinder- 
pest," in and around the great city of London, which is claimed 
to be the model seat of veterinary learning for all British sub- 
jects. It is probable that the heroic practice there taught has 
something to do with this tremendous mortality; for we learn 
that a more simple plan of treatment has been inaugurated by 
another class of physicians, whose medicines are almost inert, and 
they have been more successful than the advocates of setons, blis- 
ters, sedatives, and narcotics, not forgetting their " sheet-anchor," 
calomel — as Napoleon observed, in derision, when on the island 
of St. Helena, " Bleeding and calomel for ever ! " Simple, sana- 
tive medicines act potently, yet silently, after the fashion of 
Nature's workings ; so that we should never attempt to force her 
to adopt our system of cure for that of her own. 

Pleurisy. 

Pleurisy signifies inflammation of the pleura. This membrane 
lines the internal surface of the chest, and furnishes a covering 
to the organs within the chest. It also serves to divide the 
chest into two cavities, which are known as the right and left. 
This membrane is similar in its texture and function to that 
which lines the cavity of the abdomen. Both are serous mem- 
branes, secreting, on their inner surface, a lubricating fluid, which 
guards against friction. This membrane is the seat of pleurisy, 
and pleurisy consists of inflammation of it. 

Causes. — It may be presumed that the ordinary causes which 
produce affections of the lungs are operative in the production 
of this malady, viz. : exposure, by which the surface of the body 
becomes chilled; injuries in the thoracic region; over-work; an 
impure atmosphere; a plethoric state of the system; in short, 
any cause which is likely to produce an inflammatory affection 
in other parts of the body. I have known horses become the 
subjects of this malady that have been confined to the stable 
for weeks. Such cases are clearly traceable to plethora, want of 
exercise, and impure air. It is possible that some animals inherit 



120 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

a predisposition to pleurisy. It has been noticed that animals of 
the sanguine temperament are more prone to the malady than 
others of different temperaments. Hence, the only way to prevent 
pleurisy is to try and keep up a good standard of health in horses, 
by affording them a chance to have regular exercise, pure air in 
the stable, and a fair allowance of good wholesome food. Pleurisy 
in the horse is very apt to end in hydro-thorax, or dropsy of the 
chest; and the case that I am now about to offer will illustrate 
this, as well as the symptoms and treatment. 

Case of Pleurisy and Dropsy of the Chest. — A few months ago I 
was requested to visit a gray gelding, the property of a Mr. Waldo. 
The animal had been out of health for a week or more, suffering 
from a slight attack of influenza, but was improving — so thought 
the person who was in medical attendance ; but the owner thought 
otherwise, and decided to secure my services. 

Symptoms. — On examination, the following symptoms were 
found present: Pulse, wiry; respirations, quick, laborious, and 
accompanied with a slight grunt, indicating pain within the chest. 
When pressure, ever so slight, was made on the sides of the chest, 
it elicited very decided symptoms of pain. The animal would 
occasionally turn its head toward the sides, as if to inform us of 
the seat of his sufferings. Dropsical swellings were observed un- 
der the chest and belly, and the hind legs were also dropsical, and 
the vascular surfaces of the mouth and nose were tinged slightly 
yellow; the feces were scanty, and the urine was high-colored; 
the appetite was much impaired, but the patient was very thirsty. 
On the strength of the condition of the animal, and the presenta- 
tion of the above symptoms, and percussion revealing water in the 
chest, I informed my employer that the case was one of pleurisy 
and dropsy of the chest. It is probable that water had been accu- 
mulating in the chest for several days, and that the pleura was 
involved at the commencement of the malady. 

Treatment. — Dropsy of the chest is a very formidable disease to 
treat, and there are but few cases of cure on record ; yet, I think 
if such cases came early into the hands of educated surgeons, and 
they use life-sustaining agents in view of husbanding the powers 
of the vital forces, more cures will hereafter be recorded. The 
treatment of this case was as follows : I rubbed the sides of the 
chest occasionally with a portion of camphor dissolved in olive oil, 
and gave, morning and evening, during a period of seventeen days, 



DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 121 

thirty grains of iodide of potass in two ounces of fluid extract of 
resin-weed root ; an occasional dose of golden seal was given as a 
tonic. The iodide of potass acted on the system as a glandular 
stimulant, and thus increased the power of the absorbents and ex- 
crementitious vessels, to rid the chest of its fluid contents, while 
the resin-root acted as a diuretic, thereby carrying off some of the 
fluid by way of the kidneys. During the period of the sickness 
of this animal, the resonance of the chest gradually became clear, 
so that at the end of three weeks not more than a couple of pints 
of serum remained in the chest. The animal rapidly convalesced. 

During the treatment of such a case as the above, I usually feed 
the animal liberally on oats and sweet hay ; and, in order to obvi- 
ate constipation, I order an occasional bran-mash. The animal, 
however, may not, at the commencement, have much relish for 
food, but after a few doses of the medicine here recommended have 
been given, the appetite will soon be restored. It will be noticed, 
during the progress of this malady, that the animal does not lie 
down, but stands with the fore-legs widely apart, although, at the 
very commencement of acute pleurisy, the subject will often get 
down, in view of mitigating the lancinating pain from which he 
suffers, in consequence of the distension of the vessels of the pleura. 
Pleurisy sometimes sets in as an accompaniment of influenza, 
which almost always ends in dropsy of the chest ; and as a case of 
this kind is a good one to place on record, I here introduce one 
from my note-book : 

Pleurisy ending in Dropsy and Death. — The horse, the subject 
of the above-named maladies, was the property of a milkman of 
Chicago. The animal had been previously treated for the prevail- 
ing influenza, accompanied by pleurisy, and had about recovered 
so as to take daily exercise ; but finally the owner discovered that 
the horse was suddenly taken with a relapse. Feeling alarmed, 
he procured one pint of linseed oil, with which he drenched the 
animal. Still, the horse rapidly grew worse. At this period, my 
services were sought. On auscultating and percussing the chest, 
I found that the right cavity was occupied by a large quantity of 
water. Dropsical swellings were found in various parts of the 
body, viz. : the sheath, limbs, and region of the pectoral muscles. 
On applying the ear to the trachea, the respiration was of a mucous 
character, and tubular, showing that the lungs were much diseased. 
The examination revealed the fact that about one-half the left lung 



122 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

was involved in disease. The animal had no appetite, yet was 
thirsty ; and when urged to move, would utter a grunt, indicative 
of pain. It was evident that the relapse was, or might be, con- 
sidered a case of pleurisy, ending in effusion into the chest. The 
worst feature of the case Was that the animal purged violently 
(liquid stools), having a very strong odor of linseed oil; it covered 
a large space on the floor, and ran down his hind extremities. 
This seemed to me to render the case hopeless ; for super-purgation 
of itself will often cause the death of an otherwise well animal. 
But this poor creature was laboring under a malady from which 
few ever recover. However, I thought that while "there is life 
there is hope," and I commenced the treatment by performing 
the operation of tapping for dropsy of the chest. I drew off 
three and a half gallons of fluid, of a light straw color, from the 
right cavity of the chest. On auscultating the chest, both sides 
appeared resonant, showing that the waters must have occupied 
both cavities; hence, the mediastinum (the membrane which di- 
vides the thorax into two equal cavities) must have been ruptured, 
thus permitting an influx and reflux of the fluid. Next, counter- 
irritants were applied to both sides of the chest. The patient was 
properly clothed, tonics and astringents were given, and the case 
was left in the care of an attendant for the night. Next day I 
found the patient was respiring very comfortably. The tapping 
of the chest seemed to have done much good, yet the purging still 
continued ; so I ordered scalded milk and charcoal, and adminis- 
tered tonics and stimulants, as before. But it was very evident 
that the animal must die of super-purgation, and next morning I 
received word that death had taken place. It was unfortunate, 
under the circumstances, that the owner should have given linseed 
oil ; for it is a very powerful irritant and cathartic, and produces 
much irritation and inflammation on the surface of the interior 
of the stomach and intestines, as well as uncontrollable purga- 
tion. It is a remedy which is very quickly absorbed, and finds its 
way into the blood in a very few minutes, as the following case 
will show : I once gave a horse a dose of linseed oil for the pur- 
pose of experiment. (He happened to be in good health, or I 
should probably have lost him.) Ten minutes after administer- 
ing the dose, I applied a linen handkerchief to the highly organ- 
ized membrane lining the eyelid, and both the odor and color of 
the oil could easily be detected. On exposing the handkerchief 



DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 123 

to a moderate degree of heat, for the purpose of evaporation, a 
grease spot remained on the same ; hence it is an agent that should 
never be used in pleurisy, nor in any disease occurring in the or- 
gans of respiration. Dropsical diseases, supervening on influenza, 
are never benefited by cathartics, for they always lead to debility 
and prostration. Influenza is a disease of very prostrating char- 
acter; hence the proper plan of treatment is to sustain the vital 
power, by nourishing diet, tonics, and stimulants — ginger and 
golden seal. While commenting, however, on the linseed oil 
treatment, I do not wish to censure the owner of the animal ; for 
I should be throwing stones into glass houses, having myself, in 
former years, used and recommended this kind of oil for various 
diseases ; but, after many mishaps, I am satisfied that it is unsafe 
in the treatment of equine affections. 

Pericarditis (Inflammation of the Pericardium). 

The pericardium is a membranous sac, which surrounds and 
incloses the heart. It is composed of two layers, united by cel- 
lular tissue. The external layer is dense and fibrous, and is 
attached, by ligaments, to the sternum, or breast-bone and dia- 
phragm, and above to the roots of the large blood-vessels. The 
internal layer exhibits internally a smooth surface, like the lining 
membrane of the cavity of the chest. From this surface is secreted 
a serous fluid, which lubricates the heart, and protects it from the 
friction which would otherwise occur. The pericardium is a wall 
of defense for the heart, and keeps it in its proper position. 

Pericarditis signifies inflammation of the inner membrane of 
the pericardium. It is a disease which is almost unknown to the 
ordinary practitioner in this country, and entirely unknown to 
the husbandman ; yet it is a disease that carries off a large number 
of horses and cattle, and often the parties concerned in the treat- 
ment and ownership of the animals do not even suspect the true 
nature of the malady. After the inflammatory action of the per- 
icardium has reigned for several days, unsuspected and un- 
checked, an inordinate effusion from the serous lining takes place. 
We then have dropsy of the " heart-bag." Water accumulates 
around the heart, which interferes with its action so as to put a 
stop to circulation, and this results in the death of the animal. 
Pericarditis often accompanies, or is the sequel of, pleurisy and 



124 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

other diseases of the serous membranes ; yet, fortunately for the 
patient as well as the practitioner, it does not require any special 
treatment other than that laid down for pleurisy and disease of 
other serous membranes. 

Causes. — The causes of pericarditis are the same as those which 
are said to be operative in the production of pleurisy and disease 
in the serous membrane, viz. : sudden impressions of cold upon 
the external surface of the body; injuries; overtasking the pow- 
ers of the animal by laborious and rapid work. Sometimes 
foreign bodies, such as pins and needles, have been found within 
the pericardium, which must have been taken into the stomach 
with the food, and have worked their way so as to penetrate the 
pericardium and heart. Such cases almost always prove fatal. 

Symptoms. — The general symptoms of the disease are anxiety, 
shivering, coldness of the skin and mouth, loss of appetite; the 
jugular veins are congested, and they pulsate like an artery ; there 
is a sort of tinkling or metallic sound, when the ear is applied to 
the chest and lower part of the neck. In the latter stages the 
respiratory murmur becomes very indistinct, and there is a sort 
of double expiration, and the ribs become contorted, the same as 
in dropsy of the chest. 

Treatment. — The heat of the external surface of the body must 
be restored, and kept uniform by means of leggings and body 
clothing. Both sides of the chest are to be briskly rubbed, two or 
three times daily, with hot vinegar and strong mustard. One 
drachm of iodide of potass, dissolved in five ounces of warm water, 
should be given every four hours; but, should the case be seen, 
and the true nature of the malady discovered in its early stages, 
omit the iodide of potass, and substitute two fluid drachms of tinc- 
ture of gelseminum. Two or three doses, at intervals of four hours, 
will suffice ; then resort to the iodide of potass, or substitute for 
the same four drachms of chlorate of potass. So soon as the animal 
appears to improve, discontinue the above-named medicine, and 
give tonics. Four drachms of fluid extract of golden seal, twice 
daily, will suffice. 

A fatal case of pure pericarditis is related by Mr. Woodger, 
V. S., in the London "Veterinarian." The autopsy revealed a 
healthy state of the lungs and pleura ; yet the pericardium con- 
tained about three quarts of serum, highly colored. The walls of 
the pericardium were considerably thickened, and studded with 



DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AftD ORGANS. 125 

merous bauds of lymph, on the inner surface, of a bright yellow 
color. Several small patches of inflammation were likewise ob- 
served on the ventricles of the heart, near the valves of this 
organ. The heart itself was also larger than usual, and much 
softened. 

Heaves. 

A disease prevails among horses, more particularly in the 
Eastern States, known as heaves. The affected animal heaves at 
the flanks, or, rather, performs what is known as abdominal respi- 
ration, by bringing into play, at the moment of expiration, the 
abdominal muscles, for the purpose of aiding the lungs and dia- 
phragm in the function of expiration and respiration. The 
disease somewhat resembles asthma, it being of a spasmodic 
character, and, after continuing for some time, will suddenly 
disappear. The disease may be defined as being great diffi- 
culty in breathing ; continuous ; aggravated, by dust on the road, 
musty hay, improper provender, impure air, and sudden atmos- 
pheric changes. On applying the ear in the region of bronchi, 
or to the upper sides of the chest, a wheezing sound of respira- 
tion is heard. These symptoms, together with the heaving motion 
at the flanks, constitutes heaves. When the disease is merely 
functional — that is to say, brought on by feeding musty hay and 
musty clover — a cure is affected by feeding prairie hay, which 
contains the well-known silphyum, " resin weed." The husband- 
men who reside in the vicinity of where the resin weed grows 
are well acquainted with the properties of this plant, and they 
declare that it is a specific for the treatment of asthma or heaves. 
I have used the article in the form of fluid extract, prepared from 
the root, and I find it to be a very valuable remedy. The dose 
of the fluid extract is two ounces, morning and evening. There 
are some cases, however, which are incurable, owing to organic 
disease of the bronchi, or rupture of air-cells in the lungs. Such 
cases are known by the unnatural respiration when the horse is 
drawing a heavy load or traveling up hill. His breathing is then 
very distressing, and he not only brings into play the abdominal 
muscles, but also the muscles of the chest (intercostals). Such 
cases, although considered incurable, may be palliated by the daily 
use of fluid extract of resin weed. Provided prairie hay can not 
be obtained as food, the ordinary hay used should be sprinkled 



126 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



with salted water, in the proportion of a handful of salt to one 
bucket of water. Sprinkling the hay with weak lime-water has 
also a good effect. Sliced carrots, parsnips, or potatoes, fed occa- 
sionally, are also beneficial. But, of all our remedies, none equals 
a run at grass on prairie lands. 



MAIN ARTERIES ON THE INSIDE OF ONE OF THE FORE-LEGS, FROM 
SHOULDER TO KNEE. 




Explanation of Plate. 



1. Humoral thoracic, 

2. Axillary. 

3. Internal thoracic. 

4. Dorsal scapular. 

5. External thoracic. 

6. Humoral. 



7. Brachial. 

8. Branches of the triceps. 

9. Ulnar branches. 

10. Spiral branches. 

11. Radial branches. 

12. Metacarpal arteries, large and small. 



SECTION V. 

DENTITION AND DIET. 

The Horse's Age as shown by his Teeth — On the Diet of Horses — The effects 
of various kinds of food — as regards the quantity of food required — 
as regards changes in dlet conclusion. 



The Horse's Age as shown by his Teeth. 

FIGURE 1 is a representation of a foal's " mouth" as it ap- 
pears at the age of twelve months ; the temporary teeth are 
shown, and all, except the corner ones, are worn quite smooth. 
(See remarks on temporary teeth.) Figure 2, a two-years old; 
the two anterior, or front temporary teeth, are shed, and the per- 
manent ones, with their deep pit in the center, and unworn edges, 

Fig. 1. 





TEMPORARY TEETH OF THE COLT. 



TWO TEARS OLD. 



are approaching a level with the remaining temporary. Figure 3, 
a three-years old ; the two permanent middle teeth are seen, with 
their deep pits, etc., and are nearly on a level with the two front 
permanent teeth, which are smoothed down. Figure 4, a four- 
years old ; the permanent corner teeth are now " cut," and the 
tushes have appeared, although the latter may not appear until 

(127) 



128 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



jive. Figure 5, a five-years old ; the corner teeth are well up ; 
the faces of the front and middle are worn more or less, and 
the tushes are more developed. Figure 6, a six-years old ; the 
black marks have disappeared from the two front teeth, and a 



Fig. 3. 



Fig. 4. 





THREE YEARS OLD. 



FOUR YEARS OLD. 



brownish mark is perceivable. Figure 7, a seven-years old ; the 
black marks have now disappeared from the two middle teeth, and 
a brown spot is seen in the center. Figure 8, an eight-years old ; 
the marks and cavities of the corner teeth are now effaced. Fig- 
ure 9 is a horizontal view of " Black Hawk's " incisors, and, con- 




Fig. 6. 




FIVE YEARS OLD. 



SIX YEARS OLD. 



trasted with figure 10, (a young mouth,) shows the degree of 
inclination existing between the incisors of the aged and young 
animals. 

The Colt's Mouth. — Remarks on the Temporary Teeth. (In- 
cisors.) In the course of from ten to fifteen days after birth (varying 



DENTITION AND DIET. 



129 



occasionally), the front nippers in the upper and lower jaw make 
their appearance, and, during the period, which occurs between 
the third and fifth week, the middle incisors appear. Between the 
seventh and ninth month the lateral or corner teeth are cut. The 



Fig. 7. 





SEVEN YEARS OLD. 



EIGHT TEARS OLD. 



colt is now in possession of a full set of temporary incisors. These 
temporary, or " milk " teeth, differ from the permanent ones by- 
being much smaller and (previous to shedding) whiter, having on 
their anterior or front surfaces grooves or furrows; also a well- 
defined body, neck, and slender fang. They also present oval 
surfaces anteriority, or in front; and within the mouth they are 
concave. Their surfaces are generally uniform and smooth, and 
resemble the eye of an English horse-bean. 

Fig. 9. 




HORIZONTAL VIEW OF OLD BLACK HAWK'S INCISORS AND TUSHES. 



The Permanent Teeth. — Constitutional idiosyncrasies are 
often operative in hastening or retarding dentition, and the char- 
acter of the food, whether it be natural or artificial; and the 
9 



130 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



mode of obtaining the one or the other makes considerable differ- 
ence in the wear and tear of the same, consequently we must 
bear in mind that the popular theory of " age " is sometimes more 
arbitrary than truthful, and allowances for the same must be 
made. At the age of two, or a few months over, the front perma- 
nent teeth ought to appear, and, consequently, at the age of three, 
varying a few months, the middle teeth are up. At four, varying 
as in the preceding cases, the corner teeth begin to show them- 
selves, and are not up square with the others until the fifth year. 
The animal now emerges from colthood, and is known as a horse. 
As regards the female, during her minority she is termed "filly; " 
at five she enters the adult stage, and, consequently, is denomi- 



Fig. 10. 




A YOUNG HORSE'S MOUTH. 



nated a mare. Supposing the horse to have a full set of nippers, 
or incisors, at the age of five, the marks, or black incrustation, 
will have so worn away at six as to leave a faint brown mark. 
At seven, similar appearances have taken place in the two next, 
or middle, teeth. At eight the marks, or rather the cavities, of 
the two next, or corner teeth, are now about obliterated, and the 
face of the teeth are nearly level, and the central enamel is nearer 
the inward than the outward border. After the marks have all 
disappeared in the lower jaw, the exact age can not clearly be 
shown. At the age of nine the front teeth appear somewhat 
rounded; the middle and corner ones contract their oval faces, 
and the central enamel diminishes and approaches the inward 
border. At ten the middle incisors resemble those at nine, and 
the central enamel has approximated the inward border and is 
rounded. At eleven the middle teeth resemble those at ten, and 



DENTITION AND DIET. 



131 



the central enamel is almost worn off. At twelve the corner teeth 
take on the triangular form, and their central enamel is very con- 
tracted, and a yellow mark is left. At thirteen the sides of the 
front teeth thicken, and they begin to assume a triangular appear- 
ance, and the whole incisors of the lower jaw complete the trian- 
gular form at the age of seventeen. At eighteen the front teeth 
are somewhat flattened from side to side; the flattening goes on 
in the middle and corner teeth, and is completed at the age of 
twenty-one, giving them the appearance of a reversed oval. As 
regards the marks in the upper incisors, they disappear from the 
front teeth in the course of the ninth year, from the middle in the 
tenth, and from the corner or lateral ones in the eleventh year ; 



Fig. 11. 




A PORTION OP THE LOWER JAW OP OLD BLACK HAWK, 

(Aged twenty-three years and eight months.) 



and as the animal increases in years, the upper corner teeth be- 
come indented or notched. The inclination of the teeth enables 
us to form some idea of the horse's age. In a young horse, the 
teeth are upright (see fig. 10) ; after the age of eight they gradu- 
ally become horizontal, (see " Black Hawk's " mouth,) and the 
upper teeth overlap the under ones, and thus wear off their outer 
edge. 

The Tushes, oe Canine Teeth. — Between the ages of four 
and six the tushes, which, in the male, are four in number, make 
their appearance. In shape they are conical, with a sharp point, 
and curved. On the inside there are two furrows, which com- 
mence at the base and meet at the apex, leaving a triangular 
eminence between them. The sharpness of the apex, the degree 
of curvature, and the distinctness of the furrows are good crite- 
rions of youth ; for, as the animal advances in years, the tushes 



132 



DADDS VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



become blunt, less angular, and more rounded, and the furrows 
have disappeared. Supposing that the tushes are not completely 
evolved until the age of jive; in the sixth year the apex of the 
cone is worn some ; in the seventh the furrows grow shallow ; in 
the eighth year they are obliterated, after which period the apex 
gradually wears away, and the body of the same becomes rounded 
and pointed, or blunt, according to circumstances. Aside from 
the teeth, an aged horse may be known by the deep pits above the 
orbital processes; the sunken eye ; by the prominence of the joints 
and loss of plumpness in the muscles; the lips are somewhat pen- 
dulous ; the withers sharp ; the back becomes arched ; the teeth 
are lengthened, and become yellow. 

Fig. 12. 




.■■■"■■.- 



A PORTION OF THE T7PPEB JAW OF OLD BLACK HAWK, 

(Aged twenty -three years and eight months.) 



The Grinders, or Molars, afford but very little information 
as regards the precise age of a horse. As he advances in years, 
however, the outer edges become sharpened, so that it often be- 
comes necessary to rasp them. As regards their development, it 
is understood that the foal is born with two upper and lower 
grinders in each jaw. At the end of a month, sometimes more, a 
third appears. At the completion of the first year, or thereabouts, 
a fourth grinder in each jaw appears. Thus the yearling has six- 
teen grinders. At the age of two, a fifth grinder appears, and at 
the age of three the sixth and last appear. It must be remembered 
that cribbers and voracious feeders are apt to deface their teeth, 
and thus some persons are apt to be deceived as regards the exact 
age; but a good judge, who takes into consideration not only the 
appearances of the surfaces, but also the marks, points, and the 
inclination of the teeth, will not be apt to make any grave mistake. 



DENTITION AND DIET. 133 



On the Diet of Horses — (Men often Dig their Graves 
with their Teeth, and the same is true as regards 
Horses) — Variety of Food necessary — Effects of 

certain kinds of food as regards the requisite 

quantity, etc. 

It is admitted by medical men, and the experience of the reader 
may possibly have confirmed the fact, that a great proportion of 
the diseases occurring among live stock are produced, either di- 
rectly or indirectly, by errors in diet; consequently the means of 
prevention should be known, and used accordingly. 

No special form of diet can, for any great length of time, pre- 
serve the integrity of the animal system. In order to substan- 
tiate this assertion, we shall show the effect of simple elementary 
principles on the body of man, inferring, at the same time, that 
man's servant, the horse, is included. The reader has probably 
heard of the experiment made by Napoleon Bonaparte, which 
was that of trying to supply the nutritive wants of his system by 
living on a concentrated preparation of beef, in the form of jelly. 
He gave it a fair trial, yet came very near starving on the same ; 
and he was led to remark that the stomach was a sort of scav- 
enger, which required a given amount of rubbish to sort from, 
and select the necessary elements for renovating the tissues. He 
probably selected jelly because it is highly nutritious, containing 
more of the flesh-making principle than most articles of food. 
It was rich, not only in nitrogen, but also in oxygen, hydrogen, 
and carbon, four of the principal elements which compose the 
animal fabric. 

The fact is, no single article of diet, let it be ever so rich in the 
elements of organized tissues, can long support life. A nation of 
men subsisting long on a simple form of diet, without variety, 
would soon become emaciated, and die of innutrition. Let the 
Grahamites abstain from milk, and live on bread and water, and 
they would soon exterminate themselves. Milk is a highly nu- 
tritious compound, and furnishes their systems with the equiva- 
lents that we obtain from beef and mutton. The inhabitants of 
the "Celestial Empire" (Chinese) are great consumers of rice. 
It is the principal article of diet among the poorer classes, many 
of whom are lank and lean, and would make very respectable 



134 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

walking lanterns, (if lighted candles were placed within their 
abdomens), only they happen, occasionally, to catch a stray dog 
or pig, on which they make a savory meal, and thus furnish the 
materia] for the formation of muscle and fat. 

Magendie has proved that even the canine race can not live 
more than forty days on any single article of diet, let it be ever 
so nutritious, for it is either followed by starvation or disease; 
hence the necessity for variety in food. In allusion to disease 
being produced by the long-continued use of a single article of 
diet, I would mention that the Scotch peasants are great con- 
sumers of oat-meal. This article is little inferior to wheat in the 
flesh-making principle, and we might naturally infer that an arti- 
cle of diet so valuable and palatable, when properly cooked, should 
tend to promote health. This, however, is not the case. Those 
who eat the most oat-meal are, according to medical testimony, 
the notorious subjects of intestinal concretions, and in the Edin- 
buro; Anatomical Museum is to be seen a vast and valuable col- 
lection of intestinal calculi, most of which caused the deaths of 
confirmed oat-meal consumers. 

Dr. Carpenter, an eminent physiologist, says that "no fact 
in dietetics is better established than that concerning the impos- 
sibility of long sustaining health and life on a single alimentary 
principle. Neither pure albumen, fibrine, gelatine, gum, sugar, 
starch, fat, nor oil, taken alone, can serve for the due nutrition of 
the body. This is partly due to their failing in supplying the 
waste of the tissues, and partly to the fact that single alimentary 
substances, long continued, excite such a feeling of disgust that 
the animals experimented on seem to prefer the endurance of 
starvation to the ingestion of the same." 

The reader is probably aware that when a person has long been 
confined to any particular article of diet, a craving for something 
else is experienced, which very few persons can resist. This 
teaches us that, in order to preserve the health of live stock, we 
must vary the diet, and are not to be over-particular in selecting 
the most nutritious articles. But we want, as Napoleon says, a 
little rubbish — coarse rubbish. The internal surface of the stom- 
ach and bowels require to be irritated once in awhile, and this 
probably was the idea which Graham had when he first recom- 
mended coarse food. The stomach must be made to labor hard 
at times, or its function will deteriorate. Persons who complain 



DENTITION AND DIET. 135 

of weak stomachs and dyspepsia are those who live on dainty- 
viands, and seldom, if ever, distend that organ to a healthy- 
capacity with coarse material. Consider, for a moment, the con- 
dition of Spanish and Italian peasants. They have not much of 
our national disease (dyspepsia) among them. The bread that 
they eat is made of coarse material ; yet with that, and the addition 
of a little oil, wine, and a few vegetables, they can indure greater 
fatigue, and often carry a heavier burden than he who lives on 
more concentrated food. We may distend the horse's stomach 
with coarse food, and, perhaps, not impair its function so much as 
when overburdened with meal and concentrated food. 

The stomach must be made to work for a living once in 
awhile. Hard work agrees with it, and coarse fodder stimulates 
and develops its latent powers, and augments the gastric secretion, 
which is the active solvent of the food. Labor operates on the 
stomach in the same manner and in the same ratio that it does 
on the brain or muscles — increases their capacity. Compare, for 
example, the brawny arm of the mechanic with that of the count- 
ing-house clerk, or the powerful muscles of the truck and farm- 
horse with those of the pet saddle-horse. This comes of work, 
hard work. See the king of birds, the eagle, towering above and 
beyond the sight and ken of man, darting, with almost lightning 
speed, from mountain to valley, buffeting the rude shocks of 
heaven's artillery. He acquires strength of muscle and wing by 
extraordinary exertion and desperate feats of flight. After the 
same fashion we develop the mental faculties, augment protracted 
mental labor, close thought, and study, light up the intellectual 
nature of man, and develop the latent powers of his brain ; and 
the more his mind acquires, the greater and more varied are its 
powers. 

It must be borne in mind, however, that the various functions 
of the body require periods of rest ; for, should a horse be permit- 
ted to stand up to a full crib, and spend the greater part of the 
day and night in cramming his stomach, disease, sooner or later, 
must surely occur. The same is true as regards man. Let an 
individual gormandize through the day, and then indulge in a 
late supper, and continue the practice, he soon acquires a sympa- 
thetic headache, or the stomach grows refractory, and casts up the 
burden, for the simple reason that its function is overtaxed. It 
must have rest. The same rule applies to the muscular and men- 



136 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

tal natures. If, therefore, hard labor develops the function of 
either, rest, at suitable intervals, preserves their integrity, and, 
therefore, must not be disregarded. 

In selecting food for working animals, we must remember that 
they require certain inorganic equivalents, which seem to be as 
necessary for the support of the system as nutriment. Salt, for 
example, is not nutritious ; yet neither man nor brute can long 
exist without it. Common salt, chloride of sodium, is decom- 
posed in the stomach, and is there found in the form of muriatic 
acid and soda. The former is supposed to aid digestion, and the 
latter eliminates bile. Neither is phosphorus (found in straw) 
nutritious, yet that article is absolutely necessary for the support 
of animal life. It is an element of both vegetable and animal 
organization. The former absorbs it from the soil, and, in turn, 
yield it to animals, by the process of digestion. Oats and beans 
are nitrogenous compounds, flesh-making equivalents, yet they 
furnish only one part in a thousand of the article we need — phos- 
phorus ; while cut straw, potatoes, and several other " inferior " 
vegetables, contain more than double the quantity of the same; 
so that a horse must eat such rubbish as straw, potatoes, carrots, 
beets, and "stubble," in order to supply the necessary material. 
Then consider that sulphur, iron, chlorine, lime, potassium, mag- 
nesium, and several other mineral substances, not in the least 
nutritious, are alike necessary for the support and integrity of 
the living organism, and, therefore, should be the elements of 
food. Some articles furnish the needful in abundance; in others 
there is a deficiency. This supplies another argument in favor 
of variations in diet. 

A lecturer on physiology has remarked that " there exists a 
peculiar analogy between vegetable productions and living ani- 
mals. Animal and vegetable fibrine — albumen of eggs and the 
gluten of wheat — contain about 15 per cent, of nitrogen, so that 
they are somewhat identical. If you take 100 lbs. of flour and 
wash it in water, frequently changing the same, you get 15 lbs. 
of gluten. This is the flesh -making principle, and represents 15 
lbs. of the albumen of flesh. The gluten of flour, caseine of cheese 
and peas, albumen of eggs, and the flesh of an animal contain 
also a relative amount of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen ; so that 
the flesh of animals is already prepared for them in the vegeta- 
ble world. The digestive organs of animals merely change the 



DENTITION AND DIET. 137 

mechanical form and condition of the former ; their chemical com- 
position remain about the same." 

The effects of various kinds of Food. 

It is customary, in some stables, to feed horses, nearly all the 
year round, with what is known as " cut feed," which is composed 
of cut hay, meal, shorts, salt, and considerable water ; the whole 
is mixed together, and served out, sometimes, without regard to 
quantity. This kind of food might, and sometimes does, agree 
with horses, but it is not right to feed them, year after year, on 
the same, for the reason just set forth. Another reason for ob- 
jecting to this food is, that, in the stables alluded to, we hear 
of a great many cases of tympanitis and flatulent colic (diseases 
somewhat identical), arising, no doubt, from the presence of so 
large a quantity of water as some persons are in the habit of 
using. It saturates the food, and retards digestion. Not only 
this, but when dry food, highly charged with water, enters the 
stomach, the temperature of the latter causes the food to swell — 
increase in bulk — and distends that organ, and also favors fer- 
mentation instead of digestion ; hence arises flatulency. We do 
not, however, mean to contend that such food is at all times the 
direct cause of indigestion, colic, etc., because many stablers are 
ready to testify that they have fed the same for many years with- 
out any apparent inconvenience to their horses; but we contend 
that it acts indirectly in the manner alluded to; and, although 
some horses may " get used to it," and others, having wonderful 
digestive organs, assimilate it, yet the day of reckoning may not 
be far oif. We contend that water taken with food always retards 
digestion. The proper solvents of the food are the gastric fluids, 
and the horse has abundant facilities for supplying the requisite 
quantity. An ordinary horse is said to secrete, while feeding, 
fluid, of salivial and gastric characters, at the rate of one gallon 
per hour — enough, we should judge, to saturate a common meal ; 
therefore the water is not needed. We urge no objection against 
the more rational custom of merely sprinkling the food with salted 
water, in view of absorbing dust, which often abounds in inferior 
hay, but do seriously object to the practice of using a large quan- 
tity of cold water in the preparation of food for horses. 

From experiments made by scientific men, it has been ascer- 



138 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

tainecl that parsnips, carrots, turnips, and cabbage, which contain 
from 80 to 90 per cent, of water, require over twice as much time to 
digest as when the food is free from water. Cabbage, for example, 
requires twenty hours, and broiled beef-steak only eight, to digest. 
Turn a cow into a luxuriant pasture of grass or clover, and, after 
partaking of one or the other, she is liable to become " blown" or 
"hoven" — tympanitic; the abdomen becomes enormously dis- 
tended with gas, (either carbonic acid gas, or sulphureted hydro- 
gen,) and, unless the same be condensed or evacuated, rupture and 
death are sure to follow. This imperfect digestion and consequent 
generation of gas is due to the presence of vegetable fluids found in 
green fodder. Therefore, animals having weak digestive organs, 
predisposed to flatulency, should have the privilege of watering 
their own food with sal i vial fluid. The best diet for such an ani- 
mal would be " dry feed," composed of ground oats, cracked corn, 
"fine feed," and a small quantity of sweet hay. On the other 
hand, a constipated state of the bowels always indicates coarse 
food ; and in this view the English use chopped straw and coarse 
bran, with decided advantage. Animals should never be watered 
immediately before nor after meals, after the lapse of an hour 
from feeding time is the best. 



As REGARDS THE QUANTITY OF FOOD REQUIRED. 

The adult horse does not require so much of the flesh-making 
principle as the young and growing animal, but he seems to require 
a greater variety. The adult merely requires enough to replace 
the waste — the wear and tear of his system. If he obtains more 
than this, the surplus is either excreted from the body, or else 
stored up within the same in the form of fat; and every body 
knows that a fat horse or fat man are not best adapted for a race 
nor hard labor, but of all others, (except those in a state of de- 
bility,) they are most subject to acute disease. With the young 
and growing animal the case is different. Here we require bone, 
muscle, and nerve. Oats, corn, and pollard furnish the same. 
The colt obtains from its mother's milk all the elements of its own 
organization in a concentrated form — all that seems necessary for 
developing bodily proportions and hereditary traits; therefore, 
when weaned, the colt must be furnished with the same equivalents 
in the form of fodder : ground oats, wheat bran, and meal furnish 



DENTITION AND DIET. 139 

the same. It is the young and growing animal that requires our 
greatest attention. If our readers desire to raise colts that shall 
remunerate them for the trouble and expense incurred, they must 
feed the same, during their minority, with a liberal hand. Any 
neglect at this period can never be made up in after life. The 
subject will always remain lank and lean — living monuments of 
their master's folly or ignorance, as the case may be. In addition 
to the food required for the colt's growth, we must also furnish 
enough to supply the waste incurred by expenditure of muscular 
power. We all know that the young are very active and playful. 
Every muscular movement involves an expenditure of vital force, 
and thus exhausts the system; therefore, in view of developing 
their full proportions, and promoting the integrity of the living 
mechanism, they must have nutritious food, and plenty of it. They 
are not, however, to have a large quantity at a time, but little and 
often. Their stomach is small, not larger than that of a man's. 
Should it be overdistended with innutritious food, the organs of 
respiration and circulation become embarrassed, and the blood 
loaded with carbon. They require food often, because the diges- 
tive organs are very active, and soon dispose of an ordinary meal. 
Then comes the sensation of hunger, which every one knows is 
hard to bear. 

The climate or temperature of the surrounding atmosphere has a 
wonderful effect on the animal machine. Let two horses be located 
in different stables, one of which shall be, like "Jack Straw's" 
house, neither wind-tight nor water-proof; the other built on 
the air-tight principle. The occupant of the former will require 
more food than he of the latter, because cold air has a depressing 
influence on the body, exhausting superficial heat. Our readers 
are probably aware that if a hot brick be placed in contact with 
a cold one, the caloric radiated from the first is absorbed by the 
latter, until a sort of equilibrium be established. The same is 
true as regards the body of a horse. He being in an atmosphere 
many degrees less than that of his own body, gives off the heat 
of the same to the surrounding medium. The heat thus given 
off has to be replaced by food, which is the combustible material. 
But it often happens that the digestive organs are deranged, in- 
capable of assimilating a sufficiency of carbonaceous material to 
maintain even the normal temperature of the body. The conse- 
quences are, loss of flesh and health. On the other hand, a fat 



140 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

horse can endure the depressing influences of a cold atmosphere, 
because he has within the body a vast generator and non-conductor 
of heat in the form of adipose matter. It has been proved that 
the immediate cause of death in warm-blooded animals, when food 
has been withheld, was their inability to keep up that temperature 
necessary for the integrity of vital operations. The animal located 
in an air-tight stable is, probably, surrounded by an atmosphere 
almost equal in temperature to that of his own body, and, conse- 
quently, he does not require so much food as the former. Hence, 
the amount of food necessary in the one case might be too much for 
another, and, consequently, operate injuriously. A cold, bracing 
wind is said to " sharpen the appetite." The inhabitants of north- 
ern regions require more food than those of the southern. A horse, 
therefore, of weak muscular organization, the subject of debility, 
requires a comfortable stable, and food that will develop muscles. 
Now, it has been ascertained that horse-beans contain more of the 
nitro-albuminous principles than any other article of diet. Eng- 
lish horses are very partial to the same, and in such the develop- 
ment of muscle is very remarkable; consequently, a fat horse 
requires less of the nitro-albuminous principle, and more of the 
aqueous, in the form of carrots, potatoes, and beets. 

It must never be forgotten that some horses will keep in fair 
working order on a moderate supply of aliment. In such cases, 
we infer that the digestive organs are in a state of activity capable 
of extracting all the nutrient properties from the same. On the 
other hand, a horse performs less work than the former, consumes 
twice as much food, yet actually loses flesh. The digestive organs 
are then at fault. A horse, however, may lose flesh, become weak 
in the legs, etc., in consequence of the laborious nature of his em- 
ployment. Therefore, any derangement occasioned in this way 
prevents the food from being converted into healthy chyme, chyle, 
or blood, and thus the necessary deposit of new matter is pre- 
vented. 

Most voracious feeders are dyspeptic, and such are almost never 
free from intestinal worms. Their breath becomes feted; saliva, 
thick and tenacious ; excrement, slimy; and should the subject be 
fed on oats, the same would be found, after traversing the aliment- 
ary canal, unmasticated. The principal remedy for indigestion is 
change in diet. Sometimes it may be proper to allow scalded oats, 
although cooking does not add to their nutritive quality, yet, more 



DENTITION AND DIET. 141 

or less, completes the destruction of organization, and better pre- 
pares them for the action of weak solvents. 

Changes in diet will sometimes work wonders in the restoration 
of a dyspeptic ; yet he will require, also, suitable medicinal agents, 
in view of augmenting the digestive function, for which purpose 
the following is recommended : 

No. 17. Fluid extract of chamomile 4 oz. 

Fluid extract of ginger 3 oz. 

Powdered hyposulphite of soda 2 oz. 

"Water 5 oz. 

Mix. 

Dose, a wine-glassful night and morning. 

Changes in Diet. 

Sudden changes in diet are not recommended. For example, 
should an animal have been previously fed on corn, meal, or oats, 
he should not be turned out to shift for himself, as the saying is, 
and depend entirely on grass for a living. Grass acts on horses 
unaccustomed to it as an aperient — scours them — which is a de- 
bilitating process. Grass may improve the health of a fat, lazy, or 
humory horse — reduce flesh and purify his blood ; but the emaci- 
ated horse requires, in addition, a daily feed of oats or cracked 
corn, to make up for the deficiency of carbon in the former. For 
these, and other reasons that we might urge, the reader will per- 
ceive that changes in diet can only be made valuable in proportion 
to our knowledge of the wants of the animal economy. 

A great proportion of our horses are too well fed, obtaining more 
food than they require. In this land of plenty, most of our valu- 
able horses are overfed; and more especially does this happen 
among animals owned by wealthy and liberal individuals. The 
impression we wish to convey to the mind of the reader is, that 
the food of such is not proportioned to labor; in other words, 
there exists a disproportion between the amount of carbon taken, 
in the form of food, and the oxygen received, in the process of 
respiration. Now, to illustrate this, we will suppose that a man 
engaged in mercantile pursuits owns one or more horses. He has 
not the time nor inclination to give the one or the other the neces- 
sary amount of exercise. They stand up to a full crib, from day 
to day, enjoying, or, rather, gorging themselves with, a certain 



142 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

amount of fodder over and above what they actually require, 
and much more than they really need. The surplus is often stored 
up in the form of fat, and this induces acute diseases, and they die 
of too much food and care. It is very rare that we have occasion 
to recommend a man to feed his horse more liberally, but almost 
always the reverse. Starvation is said to be the cause for many 
equine diseases ; but, so far as our experience goes, such cases are, 
in this country, very rare. We conceive the term starvation to be 
a libel upon civilization ; and so unfrequent is its application among 
a nation of husbandmen, that it is omitted in our dictionaries. A 
man on a barren rock, or a horse in the deserts of Arabia, might 
probably starve ; but the idea of the latter starving in the vicinity 
of a well-stocked barn or stable, within striking distance of a land 
of plenty, seems to us a very absurd conclusion. There are enough 
horses to be found dressed up in the garb of starvation, having 
tight skins, prominent ribs, and a cadaverous countenance, living, 
yet half dead. But they know nothing of the " famine in Egypt ;" 
they get not only enough, but too much of the same kind. They 
probably require a change in diet, or else they are confirmed dys- 
peptics, laboring under a chronic form of indigestion ; and if such 
should be the case, quantity is objectionable, and good quality more 
desirable. The stomach, however, is not at fault, its function being 
deranged. Or they probably get enough, and perhaps too much, 
for a weak stomach ; hence loss of flesh, etc. 

Some men are in the habit of bleeding their horses every spring. 
This is done in view of reducing fat and flesh, the subjects being 
humory (plethoric), their systems abounding in highly carbonized 
blood, which is proof positive that the same have been overfed. 
The racer, before he can perform a feat of speed, must be prepared, 
as the saying is. This implies bleeding and physicking. Some 
works on farriery lay down regular rules for putting a horse in 
racing condition, and the remedies are fleam, physic, and bran, 
proof positive that such animals have had too bounteous a supply 
of nutriment. 

Some horses — and the same is true of man — grow poor in con- 
sequence of having to carry about a juvenile restaurant within their 
digestive organs. They probably become exhausted, or plethoric, 
as the case may be, in consequence of an overburdened stomach. 
A stomach overburdened reacts on the nervous system, deranges 
the physiological condition of the subject, and lays the foundation 



DENTITION AND DIET. 143 

for hypertrophy (which is an abnormal increase of fat or tissue), 
or the opposite, which condition is known as atrophy — a wasting 
of the same. But most frequently an overburdened stomach in- 
duces diseases known as staggers, cerebral congestion, softening 
of brain, etc. 

Many horse owners are continually devising means to excite the 
appetite of their horses, in order to get as much food as possible 
into their stomachs. Some men seem to think that an error in 
this direction can never occur; and should the animal refuse to 
consume the abundance thus placed before him, the liberal owner 
is apt to consider his pet sick, or think that he must have a poor 
appetite. Now, it were far better, for both man and horse if the 
former would only experiment in the opposite direction, and 
ascertain how small a quantity a horse may subsist on. A small 
quantity of good food, well digested, answers the purpose of nu- 
trition much better than a large quantity, imperfectly so. It is 
very interesting to contemplate how efficient a little food proves 
for the promotion of health and longevity. For example, a little 
barley and coarse fodder will suffice for the " courser of the desert." 
Shetland and Welsh ponies will live and grow fat on the mere 
vestiges of vegetation. The best cow in the world — the property 
of J. H. Kelly, of Cleveland, Ohio, weighing 1,350 pounds — is 
fed exclusively on hay and straw. Very poor fodder some may 
exclaim ; yet in the course of ten months the same creature yielded 
4,921 quarts of milk, and during a single month, after calving, 
she gave 620 quarts, and the least she gave during the winter 
months was 562 quarts. A pig will grow fat on small quantities 
of the right kind of food, and yet lose flesh when suffered to gorge 
himself with the same. Many swine, in the vicinity of coal mines, 
consume both coal and charcoal, and little else, yet they thrive 
well. 

Evidences can be furnished going to show that both the superior 
and inferior orders of creation might subsist on much less food 
than they are in the habit of using, and without danger to them- 
selves. Shipwrecked mariners have been known to exist several 
weeks without food ; and there is a man now residing in Illinois, 
who, during a period of thirty-two days, never tasted food. The 
sleeping man of Rochester is another example; and a case is 
recorded in one of our medical journals showing that an individual 
once lived for several months on nothing but pure water. As 



144 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

regards horses, they form no exception to this peculiarity. We 
might introduce evidence, convincing and positive, of their ability 
to. endure the privations of hunger, and, at the same time, show 
that they suffer but little from its effects. A single case will serve 
to illustrate this. We once treated a case of tetanus (lock-jaw). 
The subject never tasted food during a period of sixteen days; on 
the seventeenth the masseters relaxed, and the faculty of swallow- 
ing returned. At this period we might suppose him to be " hungry 
as a bear," yet, on offering him a few oats, he did not appear to be 
very ravenous, and partook of food subsequently offered him as if 
nothing had happened. These are extreme cases, yet they go to 
show that there is no cause for alarm because a horse happens to 
be " off his feed " once in awhile. Such condition may ultimately 
prove salutary, affording the stomach and its associates time to rest 
from their herculean labors. 

The fact that most of our adult horses get more food than they 
need has been demonstrated by analysis of their excrement, which 
has been found to contain a large amount of nutritious material 
over and above what the animals actually need. We can develop 
the gormandizing powers of very many horses, by placing before 
them, from day to day, more than they require. Their appetites, 
like some of ours, are not proof against temptation ; and the diges- 
tive organs may be trained to dispose of twice the quantity of food 
actually needed, and the habit, at first acquired, becomes perma- 
ment, and the creature is known as a voracious feeder — a glutton. 
Hence, through indiscretions of this character, we can augment 
both function and capacity of stomach. We remember examining 
the stomach of a horse, the property of a baker, who was in the 
habit of feeding the former on brown bread. The animal died of 
chronic indigestion, and his stomach exceeded in capacity that of 
two ordinary horses. Great care, therefore, is requisite in regard 
to the proper feeding of horses ; for, in their domesticated state, 
they have lost those natural instincts which serve to inform the 
untamed animal of the necessary amount of food which his system 
needs, and they are in the condition of a thoughtless child that 
will eat all day, and, on retiring to bed, will crave and cry for 
more. 

Our rearlers have probably heard of the gormandizing propensi- 
ties of natives in the arctic regions. Some of them think nothing 
of bolting down twenty pounds of meat and oil per day, and 



DENTITION AND DIET. 145 

making a good supper on tallow candles. A case is related, by 
Captain Cochrane, of a Russian who ate, in the course of twenty- 
four hours, the hind-quarter of an ox, twenty pounds of fat, and 
drank a quantity of melted butter. He also states that he has 
seen three gluttons consume a deer at one meal. But we need not 
go beyond our own immediate vicinity to prove that the gorman- 
dizing powers of both men and horses are equally extraordinary. 
The corn-dealer's bill furnishes one illustration ; and the length- 
ened meal which some of our young men indulge in, commencing 
in the morning and only ending at night, completes the evidence. 
Hence, with these facts before us, we may safely conclude that 
errors in diet are constantly occurring, and, consequently, a great 
many unnecessary diseases arise in consequence; therefore, we 
recommend our readers to make an experiment in the opposite 
direction, and ascertain how small a quantity of good food will 
answer the purpose of nutrition. Should the quantity be insuf- 
ficient for the animal's wants, we shall soon be made aware of the 
fact by loss of flesh and other unmistakable signs. On the other 
hand, the error alluded to is not so easily corrected ; for the animal 
may die, overburdened with fat, of an acute disease, before we can 
reduce his system. 

Conclusion. 

The reader will perceive that in the management and feeding 
of horses there opens a fine field of observation and improvement ; 
yet, in order to apply that unlimited power which man seems to 
possess over his own organization and that of the inferior orders 
of creation, he must be conversant with animal physiology; for 
on this science alone do we base the problem of life. 

Now, reader, after having presented this essay for your consider- 
ation, pray do not find fault with the stable-keeper because your 
horse does not look fat and sleek. You had better trust to the 
discretion of the man who, having been long in the stable business, 
is perhaps better qualified than yourself to judge of the effects of 
food under the states of rest and exercise, and knows how to grad- 
uate the same accordingly. We frequently have occasion to notice 
.,that horses owned by stable-keepers are never so fat as the board- 
ers — a very good proof that the latter get more than they require. 
Some men are in the habit of ordering a given quantity, say six 
or twelve quarts, of oats at a feed, whenever they put up, and the 
10 



146 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

feeder gives it. At the same time he is well aware that the animal 
does not need it, yet he must obey orders; for should he suggest 
that the quantity be too great, his motive may be questioned, and 
wrong inferences drawn. Depend upon it, therefore, that when 
the stabler, by a judicious system of feeding, prevents fat from ac- 
cumulating on horses, he is conferring a favor on his patrons and 
benefiting the animal. 

As regards the number of meals per day, our own observations 
satisfy us that working horses require three meals per day — a 
bountiful, yet very early breakfast; at noon, a light meal, com- 
posed of cut hay and oats ; and at night the quantity may be in- 
creased equal to the morning meal. It is very poor policy to feed 
or water on the road when performing a short journey ; yet, should 
a horse seem to stand in need of something, we should not object 
to a handful of oats and a few swallows of water occasionally. 




SECTION VI. 

GLANDERS AND FARCY. 

Glanders — Glanders can be communicated to Man — Contagiousness op 
Glanders — Suspected Glanders — How came the Disease to be called 
Glanders? — Diagnostic Symptom of Glanders — Treatment of Glanders — 
Farcy (Disease of the Absorbents). 

Glanders. 

ONE of the greatest evils which farmers and horse-dealers have 
been subjected to, during the prevalence of our late national 
troubles, was the sale of condemned army horses, many of them 
being afflicted, either insidiously or actually, with that form of 
equine affection known as glanders; for it is a well-known fact 
that this terrible malady is, under certain circumstances or con- 
ditions of the animal economy, both infectious and contagious; 
hence the great evil. 

For example, should a glandered horse be placed in a stable 
where the principles of ventilation and of the admission of light 
are entirely disregarded, the other inmates of the den, by continu- 
ally breathing, over and over again, the contaminated atmosphere 
which must necessarily occupy the same, will (provided their sys- 
tems are susceptible) take the disease by infection ; that is to say, 
the miasmatic virus finds an introduction into the blood through 
the lungs and pulmonary circulation. On the other hand, glanders, 
under almost every circumstance, can be communicated by con- 
tagion or touch ; that is, bringing the glandered nasal discharge in 
contact with an abraded surface, including cuts and scratches. 

Glanders can be communicated to Man. 

"Within the last quarter of this century, two veterinary sur- 
geons — one residing in "Walworth., and the other in "Wolverhamp- 

(147) 



148 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



ton — are reported as having died from inoculation of glanders. 
This terrible disease is not often seen in Scotland, but very fre- 
quently in England, and still more so in Ireland. From the latter 
circumstance, the malady is often found to be imported about the 
west coast of Scotland. London has always been rather renowned 
for the prevalence of glanders among omnibus, cab, and other 




SECTION OF A HOBSE'S HEAD SHOWING ULCERATION OF THE SCHNEIDERIAN MEMBRANE, WHICH 
CONSTITUTES THE DIAGNOSTIC SYMPTOM OF GLANDERS. 

Explanation. — On contrasting the above picture with the one on the opposite page, the 
reader will perceive, in the above, a number of dark spots on the lining membrane of the 
nose (schneiderian), showing the chancreous ulcerations which constitute the diagnostic 
symptoms of glanders. 

1. The cerebrum, or anterior portion of the brain. 

2. The cerebellum, or posterior portion of the brain. 

3. The spinal cord. 

4. Shows a section of the cervical vertebrae, or bones of the neck. 

5. The oesophagus. 

6. The windpipe. 

7. The tongue. 

9. Section of the occipital bone. 

10. The schneiderian membrane. 

11. A muscle known as the sterno maxillarius. It is located beneath the neck, and is in- 
serted into the angle of the lower jaw and the front part of the breast bone. Its action is to 
aid in closing the mouth and drawing the head downward toward the breast; one muscle act- 
ing draws the head to one side. 

12. The frontal sinuses. 

13. Section of the anterior portion of the upper jaw. 

14. The hard palate. 

15. The strong ligament of the spine known as the ligamentum sufHavium. 

16. Section of the inferior portion of the cervical vertebrae 



horses. A very strict supervision is maintained, and all glandered 
horses are destroyed when discovered; but nevertheless we can 
state, on good authority, that the omnibus horses of London have 
suffered very severely from this disease, and do so still. The par- 



GLANDERS AND FARCY. 149 

tial measures adopted by companies are not sufficient to eradicate 
it, and the " glandered night train " is not altogether a thing of the 
past. The danger to human life is so great that we feel happy to 
seize any opportunity to urge the adoption of the most effectual 
measures for the suppression of any practice which tends to pro- 
long the life of the glandered horse. 




SECTION OF A HOESE'S HEAD IN A HEALTHY CONDITION— ITS ANATOMY. 

Description. — a The lining membrane of the nose, known as the schneiderian membrane. 
On its surface are seen the vessels which furnish it with arterial blood. 

b The anterior portion of the brain, known as the cerebrum. 

c The posterior portion of the brain, known as the cerebellum. 
d The frontal sinuses. 

e The tongue. 

/ Showing the velum palate, or soft palate. 

g The back part of the mouth. 

h The pharynx, or top of the oesophagus. 

i The epiglottis, or cartilage at the root of the tongue. 

;' The glottis, or opening into the windpipe. 

Jc The oesophagus, or gullet. 

I The trachea, or windpipe. 
m The spinal cord. 

n Junction of the cerebellum with the spinal cord. 
op Showing a section of the cervical vertebrse, or bones of the neck. 
The dotted lines between a and g, show the direction leading to the trachea and oesophagus. 

A fatal case of glander, reported in the Baltimore " Herald of 
Reform," is as follows : Mr. I. P. Burus, a grocer, died a horrible 
death in that city in consequence of poison communicated to his 
system from a horse afflicted with glanders. During the admin- 
istration of medicine, Mr. Burus thrust into the animal's mouth 
his hand, a finger of which had been previously cut, and the flesh 
laid open. Through this wound the virus was absorbed, and mor- 
tification supervened. A surgeon was called upon to amputate 



150 DADJD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

the diseased member. Perceiving, however, that the poison had 
penetrated to every portion of the unfortunate man's system, he 
declined performing the operation, and stated that no earthly skill 
could save him. After lingering in great agony, death closed the 
scene. 

Death of a Russian Lady from Glanders. — The awful death 
of Madame Palesikoff, one of the most charming among all that 
bevy of entertaining Russian ladies who sometimes gladden the 
winters of Paris, has created a terrible shock among the circles 
she so lately embellished by her presence. The unhappy lady left 
Paris but a short time ago on a summer tour to Germany. While 
stepping from the door of the opera-house in Berlin, to gain her 
carriage, she let fall one of her bracelets close to the pavement. 
Stooping to pick it up, she noticed, at the time, laughingly, that 
" one of the horses belonging to a carriage standing at hand, 
dropped his head so close to her face that he touched her, and left 
a moist kiss upon her cheek." In a few days the unfortunate lady 
was taken ill with that most horrible disease, glanders, and in a few 
days more, breathed her last, in spite of the attendance of the first 
physicians of Berlin, and every resource to be obtained by wealth, 
or by the ceaseless vigilance of friends.* 

Still another case. — Sidney W. M., aged 23, a horse-slaughterer, 
residing at Plumstead, England, was admitted into Guy's Hos- 
pital, on March 13, 1861, under the care of Mr. Birkett. He had 
always enjoyed good health, but he lived freely. Six days pre- 
vious to his admission he cut his right hand deeply over the dorsal 
aspect of the thumb. The wound bled freely, but he felt no in- 
convenience from it, of any consequence, until the 10th. He then 
had pain in the part, extending upward to the axilla, and also a 
numbing pain in the calf of the right leg. His appetite was good, 
and he had so little constitutional disturbance that he went as 
usual to superintend the work which the accident had prevented 
his carrying out. On the llth the pain in the arm increased, and 
that in the leg, on the 12th, extended upward to the thigh. This 
had become considerably aggravated, and he then became gener- 
ally indisposed, and was unable to stand. The following day he 
applied for admission. He stated that he was extremely ill, and 
that his limbs felt almost paralyzed. He was quite unable to 

* Berlin Court Journal. 



GLANDERS AND FARCY. 151 

stand. He had constant rigors, a burning skin, white tongue, and 
his pulse was 120. The wound in the hand was inflamed, and 
the calf of the right leg and the thigh were swollen, and evidently 
the seats of abscesses. These were freely opened, with relief. He 
was ordered effervescing medicine, and two pints of porter. The 
case was then regarded as one of pyaemia. On the 14th he was 
much relieved. He had slept tolerably. The abscesses. discharged 
freely, and he was able to take his food. On the 15th he was seized 
with vomiting, bringing up a dark bilious fluid. His powers were 
less. Wine was given freely. On the 16th the vomiting continued, 
and he complained of a pain in the left thigh. An abscess was dis- 
covered, on examination, which was freely opened. The man, at 
this time, was physically in a very low condition. He took brandy, 
eggs, and other liquid nourishment with avidity. His manner was 
peculiar, and somewhat excited. On the 17th another abscess was 
opened in the left arm. On the 18th the left foot became the seat 
of an abscess, and on the 19th, for the first time, a pustular erup- 
tion was observed on the face and body, which suggested to Mr. 
Birkett the probability that some animal poison was the cause of 
all this mischief. 

The eruption was peculiar, having no definite shape. It ap- 
peared to be more like small irregular blebs, containing pus, vary- 
ing from the size of a pea to a sixpence. Some were round, others 
oval, and others of an irregular form. Toward evening, also, his 
breathing became much impaired, a bloody mucus obstructing the 
nostrils. Toward night he became delirious; his powers became 
less, the nasal discharge more profuse, and at 1.30, on the 20th, he 
died. The eruption, some hours before his death, in parts, had 
disappeared ; but in others a fresh crop sprang up, particularly 
over the region of the sternum. These were, however, of the 
same character, but smaller. No post-mortem examination was 
made.* 

Contagiousness of Glanders. 

Mr. Perctvall submits the following deductions, regarding 
the contagiousness of glanders, as the result of facts gleaned from 
his own experience: 

" 1. That farcy and glanders, which constitute the same disease, 

* Medical Times and Gazette. 



152 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

are propagated through the medium of stabling, and this we believe 
to be the more usual way in which the disease is communicated 
from horse to horse. 

2. That infected stabling may harbor and retain the infection 
for months, or even years ; and although, by thoroughly cleansing 
and making use of disinfecting means, the contagion might be 
destroyed, yet it would not be wise to occupy such stables imme- 
diately after such supposed or alleged disinfection. 

3. That the virus, or poison of glanders, may lie for months, in 
a state of incubation, in the horse's constitution before the disease 
breaks out. Of this we have had the most positive evidence. 

4. That when a stable of horses becomes contaminated, the dis- 
ease often makes fearful ravages among them before it quits ; and 
it is only after a period of several months exemption from all dis- 
ease of the kind that a clean bill of health can be rendered." 

From the preceding evidence, it is probable that the reader will 
entertain but little doubt of the contagious character of the malady ; 
yet it is very important that every one, either directly or indirectly 
interested in horses, or having any regard for the welfare of man- 
kind, should be familiar with all that is important and useful as 
regards the cause and nature of the awful malady now under con- 
sideration. It is often mistaken for other diseases that (in so far 
as contagion is concerned) are perfectly harmless ; yet many valu- 
able human lives have paid the forfeit, and many priceless animals 
have been sacrificed on an altar of ignorance which the light of 
science has but recently illuminated. Hence, correct information 
is what the people require, in consequence of the emergency of the 
peril ; and this is what the author aims at in offering this article 
for the consideration of the reader. 

Many hundreds of times, during the professional career of the 
author, have horses been brought to him for treatment, declared 
by their owners to be the subjects of glanders, simply because they 
had enlarged glands under the jaw, and a nasal discharge; and 
by the successful treatment of the same, he has got the credit of 
curing glanders, a feat which he never pretends to have accom- 
plished. Mr. Gamgee has very lucidly illustrated this part of 
the argument, as regards the mistakes made in diagnosing glanders. 
He states that glanders may be suspected, instead of being a real- 
ity; hence, many supposed cures are on record. The following 
are his remarks, under the caption of " suspected glanders " : 



GLANDERS AND FARCY. 153 

" Glanders is, fortunately, a rare disease in this country (Scot- 
land), thanks to the pole-ax. Englishmen have long since advo- 
cated and practiced the shooting of suspected animals, rather than 
trusting the lives of men and horses to the chances of escape, 
wherever cases of chronic nasal discharge are met with. The com- 
mand officer and veterinarian of a British cavalry regiment would 
consider it a great disgrace if such a disease acquired any firm hold 
in their stables ; and in spite of occasional introductions of the dis- 
ease when a number of remounts may be purchased, the unrelent- 
ing order to kill rather than attempt to cure, saves the public purse 
and the reputation of those responsible for the health and condi- 
tion of our troop horses. I am as great an advocate for the 
slaughter of glandered horses as I am for the slaughter of cattle 
affected with rinderpest. Glanders is more incurable than the 
cattle plague, as not even ten per cent, recover, but its commu- 
nication is less certain and swift. It never could and never did 
destroy its tens of thousands over a country in the short space 
of time in which the steppe murrain spreads over the land, but 
it is, nevertheless, wise and proper to stamp it out. We have not 
indulged, as do our neighbors the French — who manage this 
matter, at all events, worse than we — in wild theories as to the 
transmissibility of acute and not of chronic glanders. We admit 
it to be always contagious and always deadly, and prevent it kill- 
ing by shooting its victims. 

We must not, however, forget that there are hundreds — nay, 
thousands — of cases of chronic nasal discharge which admit of 
some diagnosis on the part of skilled veterinarians, and which 
are erroneously set down as cases of glanders. Many of these 
cases are condemned because they baffle the attempts to restore 
them for a great length of time; and, unfortunately, in this 
country many forms of nasal disease have been rarely cured, 
simply because their nature has not been understood, and bold 
surgical operations have been dreaded. I could relate the histo- 
ries of many cases which have yielded to radical measures after 
several veterinarians had pronounced the animals incurably gland- 
ered — more to get rid of them, perhaps, than from a conviction 
that they were suffering from the disease. I have seen as many 
as half a dozen animals, in a stable containing a score of horses, 
given up by practitioners because they had chronic discharge and 
swollen glands; and in ten days or a fortnight all the animals 



154 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

have recovered under the influence of nasal injections, and the 
internal administration of tonics. 

It is impossible to enter into details as to the diagnosis, of a 
great variety of cures. I may mention, however, that the curable 
discharges set out as incurable forms of glanders may be grouped 
under six heads. 

1st. Fetid discharges from the nostril, owing to a carious tooth 
and caries of the upper jaw. The fetor is characteristic. 

2d. Intermittent discharges from an abscess in one of the tur- 
binated bones within the nasal chamber. The swelling of the 
nasal bones and flow of pus when the head is jerked upward are 
diagnostic. 

3d. Continuous or intermittent discharge from one or both 
nostrils, from accumulations of pus in the frontal and superior 
maxillary sinuses, indicated by the shape of the forehead and ab- 
sence of resonance on percussion. 

4th. Irregular discharge from the guttural pouches, brought 
on by exercise, or seen when an animal is made to eat hay, oats, 
a turnip, or carrots off the ground. As the head is depressed and 
jerked, a somewhat fetid and often abundant purulent matter 
flows freely. 

5th. Discharges kept up by foreign objects in the posterior 
nares, which are continuous and fetid. 

6th. Chronic regular nasal discharge — pure ozena — dependent 
on constitutional causes and defective management of acute ca- 
tarrh. 

All the foregoing varieties include the innumerable cases of 
suspected glanders for which animals are wrongfully destroyed. 
It is not every practitioner who can or' would venture to open the 
guttural pouches, or practice dissection on the bones of the face to 
such an extent as we find requisite in overcoming deformities and 
curing long-standing diseases. The longer these cases are treated 
by any but the right plan, the greater the difficulties encountered 
when surgical operations are determined upon ; and for this reason 
even those who would not dare to cut should always strive cor- 
rectly to diagnose the form of disease presenting itself. It is not 
necessary to refer at greater length to the method of dealing with 
the very various forms of disease above indicated." 



GLANDERS AND FARCY. 155 

HOW CAME THE DISEASE TO BE CALLED GLANDERS. 

Percivall is our authority for the following explanation: 
"The derivation of our word glanders is traceable through the 
French language, from which we appear to have borrowed it, to 
the Latin roots glandula and glans, the latter signifying any fruit 
kernel, such as a chestnut or acorn ; the former, its diminutive, 
any small fruit kernel ; and both afterward used in medicine to 
denote the glands of the body, many of which — such as were then 
so called — are small and comparable, both in shape and size, to 
acorns or other kernels. Celsus applies the term glandula to a 
swelling in the neck, supposed to be glandular; and Vegetius 
uses the same to denote sAvollen glands ' between the cheek-bones 
and lower jaws : ' from his saying, however, that the glandules are 
1 especially troublesome to foales,' it would appear the disease he 
meant to describe was not glanders, but strangles. The French 
veterinarians, following the ancient phraseology, called a horse 
exhibiting any submaxillary tumor or enlargement, glande; not 
with any special reference to glanders, but simply because his 
glands or ' kernels/ as our farriers denominate them, had become 
enlarged; hence, with the French, a horse was said to be glande 
de gourme, as well as glande de morve and glande de farcin. It 
seems to have been our English writers on farriery who have 
restricted the application of the term to the foul and malignant 
disease now known under that appellation. Before then, glanders 
appears to have had no other meaning save that the horse had tu- 
mefied glands, or that, in the farrier's phrase, 'his kernels had 
come down/ The French call the disease la morve. A horse, 
however, in the estimation of Lafosse, is not to be regarded as 
having la morve proprement dite, unless he be glande, or have tu- 
mefaction of his glands." 

Diagnostic Symptoms of Glanders. — Glanders consists in a dis- 
charge, from one or both nostrils, of matter which, by transfer or 
inoculation, will produce the same disease in another animal (of 
the equine or human species), and which discharge is, sooner or 
later, accompanied by vascular injection and chancrous ulceration 
of the schneiderian membrane of the nostrils, and tumefaction 
of the submaxillary lymphatic glands, and by farcy; so that a 
horse can not be considered as the subject of glanders until these 
symptoms are made manifest. 



156 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

On consulting " Hippopathology," I find a paragraph, credited 
to a French surgeon, who very accurately describes the symptoms 
of glanders. It reads as follows : " The signs by which the disease 
may be known are, when a horse, already too old to be troubled 
with strangles, without a cough, voids matter by the nose, and 
has a kernel sticking to the bone ; and, besides, in glanders the 
matter usually flows from one nostril, whereas, in a cold, it runs 
always out of both. Some cast the matter that is voided by the 
nostrils into water, and, if it swim on the top, they conclude the 
horse to be free of this distemper ; but if it sink to the bottom, it 
is a sign of glanders, the principal use of this experiment being to 
distinguish the pus. But you must not depend on the certainty 
of this sign ; for if the matter stick to the nostrils, like glue, it is 
a bad sign, and you may conclude the disease to be the glanders, 
though the matter do swim on the top. "When either the breath 
or matter that comes out of the nostrils stinks, the disease is almost 
always incurable. I have seen horses troubled with this distemper 
without kernels, or, if there were any, they were small and move- 
able; and the only sign by which we could discover it to be 
glanders, was the glueyness of the matter discharged from the nasal 
outlet." 

Treatment. — The author knows of no remedy for the cure of 
glanders. He considers it an incurable disease. In fact, most of 
our educated veterinarians contend that the disease, like pulmo- 
nary consumption, is incurable. 

Mayhew, one of the most intelligent veterinary teachers of the 
present period, informs us that " no medicine can restore the parts 
which disease has disorganized. There is no cure for glanders, 
which is essentially an ulcerative disorder." And this opinion is 
indorsed by others of equal eminence in the profession, who were 
employed lately, by the members of an agricultural society in 
England, to ascertain if there was any specific for the disease 
known as glanders, and the verdict was that no specific could be 
found. So soon as glanders is discovered in the horse, he should, 
by all means, be destroyed, and buried deep in the earth. 

Farcy (Disease of the Absorbents). 

This disease is usually met with among horses of the scrofulous 
diathesis, which diathesis is known by a proneness to diseases of 



GLANDERS AND FARCY. 157 

the skin, and does not readily yield to medical treatment. Such 
horses are noticed as belonging to the nervous temperament, hav- 
ing thin, spare muscles, wiry neck and limbs, very quick and 
active in their movements, and having a very narrow chest. Yet 
it should be remembered that the scrofulous diathesis may exist 
in any horse, without regard to his conformation or temperament, 
provided he inherit, from either sire or dam, the requisite pre- 
disposition. 

The disease sometimes steals on in a slow and insidious man- 
ner, so that it is not known to exist until, all at once, the animal 
becomes lame, and, in the course of a few hours, his legs swell; 
large inflammatory farcy-buds appear just as suddenly ; a stink- 
ing discharge takes place from the nostrils, and, unless the animal 
be destroyed, he soon dies. This form of farcy may, very prop- 
erly, be denominated malignant farcy. When the disease mani- 
fests itself after this fashion, it is dangerous for a person to haudle 
the subject. He should be destroyed and buried. 

A case of this kind occurred very recently in a large stable, 
the facts of which are as follows: The author was requested to 
visit a bay gelding, of the nervous temperament, supposed to be 
the subject of a catarrhal affection. He did not show any very 
marked symptoms of ill-health, except a slight discharge from 
both nostrils. He had performed labor up to within a few hours 
of the time of my visit, and had partaken of his usual amount of 
food. This was toward evening. I directed the foreman to rub 
the throat with stimulating liniment. Two ounces of fluid extract 
of resin weed were given him ; his legs being cold, they were ban- 
daged, and a warm bran-mash was placed before him. Next day 
he was a pitiable sight to behold. His limbs and other parts of 
the body had become dropsical; his face and eyelids had become 
so tumefied that the eyelids were almost totally closed, and scald- 
ing tears ran profusely down his cheeks. In various parts of the 
body the lymphatics were tumefied, presenting unmistakable farcy- 
buds. A stinking discharge ran from his nostrils, and he was so 
lame that it was almost impossible to get him out of the stable. 
The case being diagnosed as farcy, the animal was shot. 

Mr. Percivakl alludes to the lameness and rapid tumefac- 
tion in the following language: "I have known horses so lame 
from farcy before the disease had, in any local or characteristic 
form, declared itself, that shoes have been removed and feet 



158 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

searched, etc., to discover the seat and cause of lameness, no sus- 
picion having existed at the time that farcy was present in the 
animal's system. It may so happen, however, that some of the 
preliminary symptoms are observed or observable; that, on the 
contrary, farcy at once develops itself in an attack on some local- 
ity — most probably one hind limb. Indeed, so sudden, sharp, and 
severe are attacks of farcy, in some instances, that, in the course of 
one night, the horse's limb will be swollen to a frightful size, so as 
to incapacitate him almost from turning in his stall and walking 
out of the stable. Ordinarily, the development of farcy plainly 
accounts for the halting or lameness, yet the lameness may appear 
without any ostensible cause." 

Symptoms. — The ordinary symptoms of farcy are, slight impair- 
ment of the general health; feverish symptoms; a small, quick 
pulse ; swelling or tumefaction of one of the hind legs, generally 
the left, with much lameness ; tumefaction of the lymphatics, on 
various parts of the body, and in the groin. On the inside of the 
thighs, along the course of the femoral vein, corded, nodulous 
swellings will be found. Sometimes one or both hind limbs will 
swell below the hock, and an abscess may form in the vicinity of 
the fetlock, and isolated blotches will break out, suppurate, and 
terminate in farcy ulcer. No swelling of a hind limb, or any 
other part, constitutes a case of farcy apart from the unequivocal 
signs of lymphatic disease. There must be present corded, nod- 
ulated swellings, buds in some form or other, together with actual 
or approaching tumefaction of the lymphatic glands, or the case is 
not farcy. The disease evidently affects the absorbents. When 
it commences in those which are deep-seated, it usually ends in 
glanders. Glanders and farcy are considered the same disease; 
yet, unlike glanders, many cases of cure of mild farcy are on 
record, but the author knows of none. A disease known as lym- 
phatitis is often mistaken for farcy, and, as the former is curable, 
it is often recorded that the latter affection has been successfully 
treated. 

Treatment. — I do not know that it is good policy for me to re- 
commend any form of treatment for the disease known as true 
farcy. It is against the laws of this country, and the interests of 
society for any one to keep or treat a case of declared farcy ; there- 
fore, the advice offered in regard to the treatment of glanders 
applies also to farcy. To show the reader that the author is not 



GLANDERS AND FARCY. 159 

singular in his opinion as regards the treatment of this disease, a 
quotation from Mayhew is here introduced : 

" Farcy is, by the generality of practitioners, regarded as a 
more tractable disease than glanders. Certainly the course of the 
disorder is arrested much easier ; but, to cure the malady, there is 
a constitution to renovate and a virus to destroy. Is it in the 
power of medicine to restore the health and strength, which have 
been underfed, sapped by a foul atmosphere, and exhausted by 
overwork ? Tonics may prop up or stimulate for a time ; but the 
drunkard and the opium-eater, among human beings, can inform 
us that the potency of the best selected and the choicest drugs, 
most judiciously prescribed, and carefully prepared, is very lim- 
ited. Sulphate of copper, iron, oak bark, cayenne pepper, and 
cantharides, probably, are the chief medicines the practitioner will 
give. With such the horse may be patched up ; he may even re- 
turn to work. But at what a risk! He carries about the seeds 
of a disorder contagious to the human species, and in man even 
more terrible than the quadruped. Is it lawful, is it right, to try 
to save an avaricious master the chance of a few shillings, and 
incur the risk of poisoning an innocent person? The author 
thinks not. Therefore he will give no directions how to arrest 
the progress of farcy. The horse once contaminated is, indeed, 
very rarely or never cured. The animal, after the veterinary sur- 
geon has shaken hands with the proprietor and departed, too often 
bears about an enlarged limb, which impedes his utility, and, at 
any period, may break forth again with more than the virulence 
of the original affection." 




SECTION VII. 

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 

Lampas — Spontaneous Salivation— Bots — Inflammation of Stomach — Rup- 
tuke of Stomach — Gorged, or over-distended Stomach — Meteorization 
— Flatulent Colic — Spasmodic Colic — Inflammation of the Peritonum — 
Ascites — Inflammation of the Intestines — Strangulation of Intestines — . 
Wounds penetrating the Abdominal Cavity — Splenic Apoplexy — Func- 
tional Disease of the Liver — Pancreas; its Function — Parasites which 
affect the Intestines. 

Lampas. 

LAMPAS is the name given to a slight tumefaction of the soft 
palate of the horse's mouth. It usually occurs during the 
period of dentition, at which time the mouth is hot and tender. 
At the time when the tushes are about making their appearance, 
the membrane over the crown of the tooth becomes tense, so as 
to cause the root of the tooth to press on the tental nerve. This 
causes much pain. In such cases we make a slight incision over 
the region of the tooth, which immediately relieves the animal. 
But most men overlook this difficulty, and, because the palate hap- 
pens to be tumified, it is at once attacked with the barbarous firing- 
iron. This treatment was condemned by Percivall, who, in 
writing of it, says : 

" Are lampas disease ? The complaints, frequent and grievous, 
which are daily reaching our ears, are enough to persuade us that 
they are disease. Every groom that has an unthriving horse, or 
one that does not feed, is sure to search for lampas ; and, should 
he find any, the cause of loss of appetite, etc., is detected* and the 
remedy obvious — burning them out. Many a poor wight of a 
horse, even when suffering from a constitutional disease, has been 
subjected to this torturing operation, with a view of demonstrating 
the sagacity of the groom, and thereby has got added to his other 
. (160) 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 



161 



ailments a foul, sloughy, carious sore upon the roof of his mouth. 
This may be said to be the fruits of the removal of lampas. 

Supposing that the existence of lampas is owing to the teeth, 
surely the teeth should be removed, and not the bars of the mouth. 
In cutting or burning away the lampas, we are mistaking the effect 
for the cause. If it be contended that lampas do not owe their 
production to the irritation of teething, then I should like to be 
informed what does give rise to them ; and, let what will give rise 
to them, I do not imagine there is any veterinarian hardy enough 




BURNING A HOBSE'S MOUTH FOE LAMPAS. 

(A cruel and unnecessary operation.) 



to contend that the cause resides in the palate, and becomes re- 
moved by the hot iron. Those who are entering private practice, 
and find themselves compelled, at all times, to belie their con- 
sciences by the performance of unnecessary operations to please 
their employers, may be told that burning out lampas is, after all, 
preferable to lancing or cutting the bars; for, unless the palative 
artery is wounded, very little blood is obtained by stabbing the 
mouth ; and the wounding of this vessel, which will certainly take 
place, should the punctures be made along the sides of the palate, 
or extend forward beyond the fourth bar from the front teeth, is 
not always a very safe proceeding." 

It is an unfortunate occurrence that men can be found who will 

perform barbarous and unnecessary operations just to please their 

employers. If men were true to themselves and their profession, 

neither threats nor promises of reward would tempt them to prac- 

11 , 



162 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

tice cruelty on animals. It is a fact that some men are often ap- 
parently compelled to perform unnecessary operations even when 
the inward monitor admonishes them that they are about to out- 
rage the feelings of a poor dumb brute. Yet, for the honor of our 
profession, let it be recorded that there are but few, if any, of our 
educated surgeons that can be induced to perpetrate this outrage. 
If medical men will only take the pains to explain this matter, and 
prove to the people that the enormity here complained of is both 
absurd and barbarous, then the evil will soon cease ; but so long 
as horse-owners believe lampas to be a disease, and men can be 
found ready to " burn them out," just so long will the evil exist. 
The more intelligent portion of husbandmen are now beginning to 
lend their influence to the work of rebuking ignorance, and of re- 
forming the barbarous customs of bygone days, and, erelong, it will 
be a difficult job to convince them that their horses have lampas, 
and that the firing-iron is the remedy indicated. Surely, if the 
distinguished Perctvall calls lampas a " supposed malady," and 
sets his face against the means used for its removal, the wise men 
of the fleam should indorse his sentiments. 

Treatment. — Should the colt's mouth, while teething, be hot and 
tender, it should be sponged often with a portion of equal parts of 
vinegar and water ; and should any of the teeth appear imprisoned 
by the membrane of the mouth, a slight incision over the point of 
the tooth will give immediate relief. 

Spontaneous Salivation — " Slavering." 

Persons who own and handle horses must have noticed, occa- 
sionally, a foaming at the mouth, and sometimes a constant and 
profuse discharge of saliva. This, when occurring without any 
assignable cause, is termed spontaneous salivation. The disease is 
usually occasioned by some irritation in the immediate vicinity of 
the salivary glands, or from perverted function in the glands 
themselves. The preparations of antimony and calomel, when 
given to horses for any great length of time, in the form of con- 
dition powders, are very apt to produce salivation. Musty clover, 
and hay that is intermixed with lobelia, will also produce it; so, 
also, will sharp, projecting teeth ; and diseased teeth have the same 
effect. In such cases, the cause being discovered, the removal of 
the same is the first step toward the cure. Then drench the ani- 
mal, twice daily, with the following : 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 163 

No. 18. Powdered chlorate of potass 1 oz. 

Water \ pint. 

Should the animal show signs of debility or weakness, give one 
ounce of fluid extract of golden seal every morning, before feeding. 
Should the mouth appear to be sore, from the constant flow of 
6aliva over its surfaces, or from any other cause, then the parts 
should be sponged two or three times daily with a portion of 
equal parts of powdered borax and honey, or with an infusion of 
bayberry bark. 

When spontaneous salivation occurs in an aged horse, it denotes 
debility, and thus points out the propriety of sustaining the pa- 
tient's strength by administering tonics and diffusible stimulants. 
The following is the best remedy for this state of the system : 

No. 19. Fluid extract of chamomile 1 oz. 

Fluid extract of giuger \ oz. 

Give as a drench, night and morning. The patient should have 
a fair allowance of good nutritious diet. 

Secretion of Saliva in Horses. — From experiments lately made, 
it appears that a healthy horse secretes from the paroted glands, 
which are situated beneath the ears at the posterior angles of the 
lower jaw, during active mastication, about one gallon of saliva 
per hour, and other glands in the vicinity of the throat and mouth 
secrete, in the same amount of time, three gallons, making in all 
four gallons per hour, which is mixed with the food during masti- 
cation. The following experiment was lately made on an aged 
horse, 15 hands 3 inches in height. The tubes leading from the 
paroted glands were divided on either side, and so fixed as to 
throw their contents into vessels held for that purpose; the ani- 
mal was then fed on oats, which he masticated during a period of 
thirty minutes, at the end of which time half a gallon of saliva 
was caught. This calculation, however, will not hold good in all 
cases ; for ravenous feeders, who do not thoroughly masticate their 
food, fail to secrete the necessary amount of saliva ; hence the food 
is not properly masticated nor insalivated, and can not, therefore, 
undergo proper digestion; and when food is not thoroughly di- 
gested, it imparts but little of its nutriment to the body. Slow 
feeders, therefore, are more likely to accumulate flesh than the 
voracious ones. 



164 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Bots (Stomachic and Hemorrhoidal). 

Some persons contend that bots are always injurious. The 
author dissents from this dictum. It is possible that, as in the case 
of intestinal worms, which are now recognized as the scavengers 
of Nature, that the bots are Nature's hirelings, created and com- 
missioned to do her bidding, to maintain the integrity of her 
physiological laws. The parent of the bot, as Bracy Clark re- 
marks, " selects her subjects," or, in other words, pounces on those 
who are not in rapport with Nature, and hence have no business 
to enjoy good health, nor even to live. 

This was the case when the people of the great city of London 
were afflicted with the terrible plague, which ran riot and carried 
off about one-fourth of the inhabitants. The sanitary emissary of 
Nature, whose shield was emblazoned with the motto, " Thus far 
shalt thou go and no further," pounced upon selected subjects, 
the intemperate, licentious, and the gluttonous, and those who had 
violated Nature's laws by wallowing in filth in down-cellar loca- 
tions, where the breath of life — pure air — scarcely ever entered. 
These were the selected sufferers. The same is true as regards the 
mortality attending the yellow fever, which made such sad havoc 
in the city of New Orleans some years ago. The medical author- 
ities contend that the disease carried off over one thousand of the 
inhabitants, without touching a single sober or temperate person ; 
hence the plague, the yellow fever, and the cholera may be said to 
be the forces which Nature employs to maintain the integrity of 
her laws. Intestinal worms, found in the intestinal tube of the 
emaciated and the glutton, are said to be Nature's scavengers, and 
the same perhaps is true of bots. They may be the agents of Na- 
ture, employed to keep the balance of power within her own hand, 
for the purpose, sometimes, of preventing a too rapid multiplica- 
tion of the species ; at others, to avenge her for crimes committed 
against the laws of physiology. 

Let us, for example, inquire into the history and habits of some 
of the inferior orders of creation, and we may be led to infer that 
the presence of bots in the stomach of a horse is no deviation from 
the general rule which seems to pervade all creation. Our tenure 
of life depends on the use which we make of it, and the same is 
true as regards the horse. 

In the study of physiology, we discover that animals and insects 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 165 

require the operation of certain forces, in order that their peculiar 
vital properties shall be manifested. They all require food, water, 
and oxygen — food for the development of organized tissues, 
water to maintain an equilibrium between the solids and fluids, 
and oxygen for promoting various changes, uniting some particles 
for the benefit of the whole fabric, and disengaging others destined 
for excretion. These have to be obtained under various circum- 
stances. The number of the different species of reptiles known 
to naturalists is about 1,300, and there are at least 160,000 species 
of insects. Among this vast assemblage of animate forms, a great 
proportion obtain food, water, and oxygen in a situation and at a 
temperature which is most congenial to each species, each one of 
which, as species, exhibit great varieties in physical organization 
and habits ; and hence the necessity for that diversity in geograph- 
ical distribution which seems to surprise some men. Each species 
of animal and insect carry about with them, in their own organi- 
zation, the fertile embryonic habitation for successive parasitic 
development, and all are, to a certain extent, dependent on each 
other for both food and life. It has been truly said that there 
" is life within life." Begin with the body of man, for example, 
and we shall find that it is infested with thirty-nine distinct spe- 
cies of entozoa. These are not confined to a single location, as 
the bots to the digestive cavity of the horse ; but some are to be 
seen in the eye, bronchial glands, kidneys, liver, gall, bladder, in- 
testines, muscles, and even in the blood. There are several other 
species of entophyta, to the number of ten, inhabitants of the skin 
and mucous surfaces. So that the master can boast of a larger 
number of living parasites within and about his body than we 
have yet been able to find in his servant, the horse. And if the 
former can carry about in the living citadel such a myriad of liv- 
ing, active creatures, without inconvenience, and he being the 
weaker party, why should not the horse, who is stronger, be able 
to furnish nutriment for some half dozen or more bots that are 
occasionally found in his stomach, and to perform his 2.40 gait 
without inconvenience? Some of the inferior orders of creation 
are the receptacle of a still greater amount of parasites. The 
grasshopper, for example, is infested with a species of gordius, a 
sort of hair-worm, which some persons have erroneously supposed 
to be a transformed horse-hair. Several of these coil themselves 
into the digestive cavity of the former, at times penetrating the 



166 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

abdomen, thorax, and cranium. Their bulk and weight often ex- 
ceeds that of an ordinary grasshopper ; still you see and hear them, 
skipping, jumping, and chirruping, notwithstanding this immense 
parasitic mass, just as freely as those not infested. 

Then consider the condition of the hog. We frequently find, 
in his liver, a vesicle filled with fluid, apparently possessing no 
further organization. But examine it carefully, and we shall find 
within its enveloping tunic others, the rudiments of successive 
cells, in various stages of growth. These are all young hydatids, 
which contain still others, which increase in size until the parent 
sac is so distended that it finally bursts, and thus liberates a mul- 
titude of parasites, which, in their turn, undergo the same evolu- 
tion, becoming each a parent hydatid, producing a subsequent 
generation, which diffuse themselves over the whole body of the 
pig; and hence arises that peculiar feature in pork known as 
measles. 

Examine the same animal after he is slaughtered, and you may 
possibly find in the intestines a large number of the ascaris lum- 
bricoides (the common worm of the human intestines) ; and they 
are so prolific that naturalists have calculated sixty-four millions 
of ova within the body of a single female, which are, at the proper 
season, deposited within the intestinal tube of the pig, who, not- 
withstanding, grows fat, and furnishes a savory meal for the lovers 
of pork. Sheep, also, are infested with a species of entozoa termed 
the " fluke," besides other different species ; and it is only when 
the latter become very numerous that they can be considered in- 
jurious. 

We might go on to show that every living being is more or 
less infested with parasites, and that parasites are, in their turn, 
the local habitation for other parasites. The very atmosphere we 
breathe, and which is the purificator of the vital current (the 
blood), teems with an innumerable host of living organized crea- 
tures. The water which serves to quench the thirst, that plays 
so important a part in our economy, and in the arts and sciences, 
whether it be the ocean, lake, river, pond, or gully, all contains 
crowds of parasites, or animalculse, at times, so numerous that 
several hundred thousand have, by means of a magnifying lens, 
been discovered in a single drop of this fluid. Yet such is good 
and pleasant to the taste; and the water is not injured thereby; 
neither is it, in turn, injurious to man. Dr. Leidy states that he 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 167 

has, at various times, purposely swallowed large draughts of water 
containing myriads of animalculse, without ever perceiving any 
effect; and he combats the notion that diseases are produced or 
propagated by these parasites taken into the body. The most 
curious feature in the history of parasites is their extraordinary 
powers of multiplication, which is doubted by some ; but it is well 
known to others that some species are capable of producing a 
hundred repetitions of themselves, and the process can be repeated 
ten times in a season. The common white ant is capable of de- 
positing eggs at the rate of 80,000 per day, for several successive 
weeks, and the common flesh-maggot can be generated by the 
million in the course of a few hours ; and as regards growth and 
development, the common flesh-fly and the caterpillar increase in 
weight 200 times in the course of twenty-four hours. 

But the bot is a creature that does not multiply nor increase in 
bulk at this rapid rate. He may be said to be a " slow coach," 
and when once located in the stomach of a horse, he generally 
makes it his abode for a season, at least. He is a sort of aristo- 
cratic entozoa. He lives in the upper region, the stomach. He 
seldom condescends to mix with the lower orders that infest the 
alimentary regions. The little creature seems to exercise consid- 
erable tact in selecting his location. Although he has but a squat- 
ter's title to it, yet it is the best and safest in the whole diggings. 
He is in the upper part of the stomach, where the fluids (poisons 
or medicines) with which you are about to coax or drive him off, 
are inoperative, (for they merely give him a sort of shower-bath,) 
and pass immediately through the stomach into the intestines, 
where all the fluid a horse drinks is generally found ; therefore 
they can not act on the bot. Then, again, he is located on the 
cuticular coat of the stomach, a membrane as insensible as the 
horse's hoof, and, therefore, not liable to become diseased, nor to be 
acted on by either medicine or bot nostrums. You may kill the 
horse by the same, but the bot, being within his own castle, can 
refuse whatever you offer him. 

We can not make medicine act on the external surface of the 
bot, for it does not absorb fluid; it is impervious. These crea- 
tures have been put into muriatic acid, and kept there for a time, 
without being injured. You may put them into new rum, and 
keep them for weeks, and, on taking them out and exposing them 
to the sun's rays, they will manifest vitality. 



168 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

We often hear wonderful stories related of bots burrowing 
through the coats of the stomach. This, we think, rarely takes 
place while the horse is alive. That cavity is the home of the 
bot, its natural habitation; for we know of no other. Here it 
generally remains until it is capable of exercising an independent 
existence. In this situation the little creature is too comfortably 
located to burrow through the stomach into a cavity where it 
might perish for want of food. If the time has arrived for it to 
vacate its stronghold, instinct teaches it the most safe and expe- 
ditious route, which is through the alimentary canal. Turn a 
horse out to grass in the spring, or give him some green fodder in 
the stable, and the bots will soon leave him, if they are matured ; 
otherwise they must remain until that period arrives, unless 
Nature has some work for them to perform. We shall not contend 
that bots are never found in the abdominal cavity, for some per- 
sons have testified to the fact; but, during a practice of several 
years, and having opportunities of making many post-mortem 
examinations, we have not yet been able to observe the phenom- 
ena, except in cases of ruptured stomach. Still, a few solitary 
cases are on record, and hence it remains for us to explain how 
they got there. 

We all know that the moment a horse dies his whole body is 
subject to the common law of decomposition; but the central or- 
gans, where the greatest activity prevailed during life, are gener- 
ally the first to succumb. Our business is with the stomach, the 
great chemical laboratory, the center of sympathies — an organ 
that is very seldom permitted to rest, consequently an active one. 
Its powerful solvents, during life, were busy in transforming hay 
and grain into chyme, chyle, and blood ; but now that death has 
the victory, the gastric fluid acts on the coats of the stomach, and 
thus its decomposition is effected; so that what was previously 
good food for bots is now their bane, and, unless they escape, their 
death is sure and certain. 

The peristaltic motion of the intestines, which favored the exit 
of the bots through that channel, has ceased; they are too well 
acquainted with its intricate labyrinthian outlet (their usual route) 
to even attempt its passage. No ! the same energies of one Eternal 
Mind, " pervading and instructing all that live," suggests the 
only means of escape from threatening dangers. The stomach 
being partly decomposed, offers but little opposition to their en- 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 169 

croachments. They burst their prison-house, and hence are found 
in the abdominal cavity; and when there, they may be said to 
have jumped from the "frying-pan into the fire !" Open a horse 
immediately after death, and, provided his stomach be in a healthy 
condition, we shall find that the bots have not penetrated beyond 
the cuticular coat of it ; but if he shall not be examined until some 
hours have elapsed, the bots may be found to have passed through 
the walls of the decomposed stomach and its peritoneal tunic. 

We can imagine, also, that a large number of bots might con- 
gregate at a given point in the stomach of a horse, and, aided by 
disease, occasion a loss of continuity in the fibers of that organ; 
then, on the slightest distension by wind, its walls might be rup- 
tured and its function paralyzed, and thus the bot be involun- 
tarily driven from its home, to seek shelter and food in another 
location. 

We contend that the stomach of a horse is the natural habita- 
tion of the bot during its minority, and, at the proper season, the 
digestive canal is the usual channel for its introduction into the 
external world ; and if these parasites are ever found in any other 
situation within a horse's body, they are there by the force of cir- 
cumstances, owing to disease or rupture of the stomach, or from 
some morbid condition in the gastric fluids, which arouses a set 
of involuntary actions in response to a stimulus ; because, during 
the whole period of their minority, that is, the larveal state, (a 
term which, in the language of entomology, applies to the bot from 
the time of emerging from the egg, or nit, up to that period when 
it vacates the horse and assumes the form of a gad-fly), they are 
in the same condition as a new-born babe or an idiot — the one 
imbibing its mother's milk, and the other performing unnatural 
antics, both appearing to lack that train of mental operations 
which implies knowledge, motive, or the consequences resulting 
from such actions. We very much doubt if the bot can, at any 
time, by voluntary act, vacate the body of the horse. Reason- 
ing from analogy, we are led to the conclusion that the result 
is accomplished through their instinctive properties, which are 
common to many insects and parasites — a perfect adaptation of 
means to an end — by which they perform a certain set of opera- 
tions without choice, purpose, or intention of their own, yet, in 
many cases, producing results which man, through the aid of his 
superior intellect, has not been able to surpass. 



170 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Persons who have paid any attention to the study of physiology, 
are aware that these instinctive or involuntary movements, per- 
formed without consciousness, are the birthright of a vast number 
of the inferior orders of creation; therefore, it is not likely that 
the bot would, even if he possessed the power, voluntarily vacate 
a location favorable to its growth and development. 

Veterinary surgeons have long since discarded the absurd notion 
that bots are the cause of any pain or suffering to horses. In fact, 
some of the most distinguished of them assert that these little 
creatures, with their rough exterior, are rather beneficial than 
otherwise, and that, by friction and irritation, they arouse the 
sluggishness of the stomach, and thus promote digestion. Per- 
sons unacquainted with these facts are, therefore, apt to attribute 
effects, during life, to causes which happen after death, and, conse- 
quently, the poor horse has to be dosed with all sorts of nostrums. 

So popular has been the belief that bots are injurious to horses, 
and, therefore, must be expelled at all hazards, that almost all the 
old works on farriery contained some favorite recipe for their ex- 
pulsion. Popular opinion, too, has been so much in favor of the 
theory, that Mr. Percivall, thought it his duty, as a public 
teacher, to make use of the following language : 

" You may boldly assert that bots are in nowise injurious. Still, 
you can not persuade the world so, and, therefore, you must be 
prepared to meet the complaints of those unbelievers, who will, 
now and then, declare that their horses have bots, which must be 
got rid of. But I know of no medicine that has the power of 
destroying ; and even if we possessed such, I am not sure that we 
could, even when dead, detach them from the cuticular coat of the 
stomach, to which they are attached by small horns." 

In allusion to the parasites which infest the human body, Wat- 
SON remarks: 

" It is a curious fact that numerous parasites do crawl over the 
surface of our bodies, burrow beneath our skin, nestle in our en- 
trails, and riot and propagate their kind in every corner of our 
frame, producing ofttimes such molestation and disturbance as to 
require the interference of medicine. Nearly a score of animals 
that have their dwelling-place in the interior of the human body 
have been already discovered and described, and scarcely a tissue 
or an organ but is occasionally profaned by their inroads. Each, 
also, has its special or its favorite domicile. One species chooses 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 171 

the heart for its place of abode ; another inhabits the arteries ; a 
third, the kidney. Myriads of minute worms lie coiled up in the 
voluntary muscles or in the areolar tissue that connects the flesh 
fibers. The guinea-worm and chigoe bore through the skin, and 
reside in the subajacent reticular membrane. Hydatids infest 
various parts of the body, but especially the liver and brain. A 
little fluke, in general appearance much like a minature flounder, 
lives, steeped in gall, in the biliary vessels. If you squeeze from 
the skin of your nose, what is vulgarly called a maggot (the contents 
of one of the hair-pellicles), it is ten to one that you find in that 
small sebaceous cylinder several animalcules, extremely minute, 
yet exhibiting, under the microscope, a curious and complicated 
structure. Even the eye has its living inmates; but it is in the 
alimentary tube that we are most infested with these vermin." 

It is evident, from competent testimony, that these, as well as 
other kinds of parasites, are always more or less injurious ; hence 
the same may be true as regards the bot in a horse's stomach. The 
best authority we have for the origin and history of the bot is 
Bracy Clark, V. S., a selection from whose works is here in- 
troduced : 

"The (Estrus Equi, or the Stomach Bot. — When the female has 
been impregnated, and the eggs sufficiently matured, she seeks 
among the horses a subject for her purpose; and approaching him 
on the wing, she carries her body nearly upright in the air, and 
her tail, which is elevated or lengthened for the purpose, curved 
inward and upward. In this way she approaches the part where 
she designs to deposit the egg, and, suspending herself for a few 
seconds before it, suddenly darts upon it, and leaves the egg ad- 
hering to the hair. She hardly appears to settle, but merely 
touches the hair, with the egg held out on the projected point of 
the abdomen. The egg is made to adhere by means of a gluti- 
nous liquor secreted with it. She then leaves the horse at a small 
distance, and prepares a second egg, and, poising herself before the 
part, deposits it in the same way. The liquor dries, and the egg 
becomes firmly glued to the hair. This is repeated by these flies 
till four or five hundred eggs are sometimes placed on one horse. 

The skin of the horse is usually thrown into a tremulous motion 
on the touch of this insect, which merely arises from the very great 
irritability of the skin and cutaneous muscles at this season of the 
year, occasioned by the heat and continual teasing of the flies, till, 



172 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



at length, these muscles appear to act involuntarily on the slightest 
touch of any body whatever. 




THE (ESTEUS EQUI. 



1. The female fly, about to deposit an egg. 

2. The male fly. 

3. The egg; its natural size. 

4. The egg magnified. 



5. The newly-hatched bot. 

6. The bot full-grown. 

7. The head of a bot magnified. 

8. The chrysalis. 



The inside of the knee is the part on which these flies are most 
fond of depositing their eggs, and next to this on the side and back 
part of the shoulder, and less frequently on the extreme ends of the 
hairs of the mane. But it is a fact worthy of attention that the 
fly does not place them promiscuously about the body, but con- 
stantly on those parts which are most liable to be licked with the 
tongue, and the ova, therefore, are always scrupulously placed 
within its reach. 

The eggs thus deposited I at first supposed were loosened from 
the hairs by the moisture of the tongue, aided by its roughness, 
and were conveyed to the stomach, where they were hatched ; but 
on more minute search, I do not find this to be the case, or, at 
least, only by accident ; for when they have remained on the hairs 
four or five days, they become ripe, after which time the slightest 
application of warmth and moisture is sufficient to bring forth, in 
an instant, the latent larva?. At this time, if the tongue of the 
horse touches the egg, its operculium is thrown open, and a small 
active worm is produced, which readily adheres to the moist surface 
of the tongue, and is thence conveyed with the food to the stom- 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 173 

ach. At the first hatching, as we observe, it is a small, active 
worm, long in proportion to its thickness ; but as its growth ad- 
vances, it becomes proportionably thicker and broader, and beset 
with bristles. 

Bots are very frequent in horses that have been at grass, and 
are, in general, found adhering to the white insensible tissue or coat 
of the stomach. They usually hang in dense clusters to the white 
cuticular lining of the stomach, and maintain their hold by means 
of two dark brown hooks, between which a longitudinal slit is seen, 
which is the mouth of the larvse. When removed from the stomach 
by the fingers, by a sudden jerk, so as not to injure them, they 
will, if fresh and healthy, attach themselves to any loose mem- 
brane, and even to the skin of the hand. For this purpose they 
sheath or draw back the hooks almost entirely within the skin, 
until the two points come close to each other. They then present 
them to the membrane, and, keeping them parallel till it is pierced 
through, they expand them in a lateral direction, and afterward, by 
bringing the points downward toward themselves, they include a 
sufficient piece of the membrane, to remain firmly fixed for any 
length of time, as if at anchor. These bots pass the autumn, 
winter, and spring months in the stomach, and arrive, about the 
commencement or middle of the summer, at their full growth, 
requiring a year to fully complete their structure. 

The (Estrus Hemorrhoidalis, or Fundament Bot. — The parts 
chosen by this insect for this purpose is the lips of the horse, 
which is very distressing to the animal, from the excessive titilla- 
tion it occasions; for he immediately rubs his mouth against the 
ground, his fore-legs, or sometimes against a tree, with great 
emotion, till the animal, at length, finding this mode of defense 
insufficient, quits the spot enraged, and endeavors to avoid it 
by galloping away to a distant part of the field; and if the fly 
still continues to follow and tease him, his last resource is in the 
water, where the oestrus never is observed to pursue him. These 
flies appear sometimes to hide themselves in the grass, and, as the 
horse stoops to graze, they dart on the mouth or lips, and are 
always observed to poise themselves, during a few seconds, in the 
air, while the egg is preparing on the extended point of the abdo- 
men. "When several of these flies are confined in a close place, 
they have a particularly strong, musty smell ; and I have observed 
both sheep and horses, when teased by them, to look into the grass 



174 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



and smell it very anxiously ; and if they, by these means, dis- 
cover the fly, they immediately turn aside and hasten to a distant 
part of the field. I once saw, in a meadow or field, upon the 
cliffs of Margate, a fly of this sort teasing a horse that was con- 
fined to a small space by a spike stuck in the ground, to which a 
cord was tied. He could not get away from its attack, and became 
quite furious, for in kicking at the fly with his fore-foot, which he 
did vehemently, he often struck the bone of the lower jaw, creating 
excessive pain ; for in that direction, while grazing, the fly comes 
to the beard of the lower lip. 






THE (ESTRUS HEMORUHOIDALIS. 

1. The female about to deposit an egg. I 

2. The egg magnified. ! 

5. The male fly. 



3. Thebot. 

4. The chrysalis. 



The eggs of this species are difficult to be seen upon the horse's 
skin or beard, owing to the agitation of the beast, and from the 
color of the egg being dark, like that of the skin of the horse. 
The animal has been generally too impatient, while undergoing 
this operation, to let me examine them very well. I ascertained, 
however, its form by pressing one of these eggs from the abdomen. 

The larvae, or grubs, of this species inhabit the stomach as the 
former, generally adhering to the white lining, and are disposed 
promiscuously in dense clusters, after the same manner. They 
may, however, be distinguished from them by being, in general, 
smaller and longer in proportion to their bulk. 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 175 

The larva of this species may be obtained from almost any horse 
that has been much the preceding year at grass, and exposed to 
these flies, and will be found, during the summer months, sticking 
more or less within the verge or opening of the anus, adhering to 
its soft lining, and producing considerable irritation and uneasiness. 
Indeed, I once well remember being on a tour of pleasure in the 
Isle of Wight, and experiencing much annoyance from these 
larva?. The little horse I had hired for the journey became so 
lazy and unwilling to go on, and moved so awkwardly, that I 
could not keep pace with my company, and I was at a loss how 
to proceed ; but, on casually taking up the tail, I discovered three 
or four of these insects hanging to the rectum, and their removal 
instantly proved a cure." 

It is very likely that the fundamental or hemorrhoidal bot 
does produce some irritation within the rectum, but not more so 
than the ascaris, or the filaria, which inhabit the intestines, in- 
cluding the rectum, of both man and horse. Taking a rational 
and scientific view of this subject, the author is inclined to believe 
that all parasites infesting the bodies (or living citadels) of tmj su- 
perior orders of creation are only, in their essence, so many modes 
of death, more or less sudden or gradual, as the case may be, or 
as the exigencies of Nature require. In some cases it is supposed 
to be a beneficent provision that some horses, as well as men, 
should have a gradual exit out of life, when, by virtue of their 
constitution, they inherited no long lease of it. The parasites 
here alluded to, and others not mentioned, may be classed as so 
many diseases, which never prove mortal unless the individual's 
lease of life has expired, and then, as before remarked, he has no 
tenure on longevity. In taking this view of the subject, the 
reader will, of course, infer that all extraneous or accidental causes 
of death are excluded. 

Disease, which probably includes the presence of all parasites, 
in the bodies of men and animals, may be considered as the trials 
of pilgrimage life, and, therefore, may be classed as the check- 
mates to Nature. In order to play the game of life so as not to 
get checkmated, we must understand the law of rational physiol- 
ogy, and use our intelligence accordingly, to preserve health. In 
the ordinary acceptation of the term disease, it does not mean 
much of any thing ; for it does not express the manner in which 
the animal is affected. It simply means that he is sick, from 



176 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

some cause or other. A man or animal may be diseased without 
our expression of the manner in which either are affected, just as 
a flower may be said to be colored without designating its partic- 
ular hue. In each case we receive definite, although negative, 
ideas — in the one, that the creature is not in health ; in the other, 
that the flower is not colorless. And so the same reasoning may 
apply when bots become the subject of our consideration. In a 
given case, they may prove injurious (according to our ideas), and 
in another they may remain, for a certain length of time, perfectly 
harmless ; so that the animal infected or infested may or may not 
suffer any infliction, but trot on through the journey of life just 
as long as horse-life is worth wearing. 

As regards the several modes of death to horse flesh, in which 
bots are said to play an active part, they may thus be stated: 
Bots sometimes congregate, in large numbers, at the superior or 
inferior inlet or outlet of the stomach, and thus produce mechan- 
ical obstruction to the passage of both semi-fluids and solids ; and 
the result is, equine death. The author once held an autopsy, 
whjgjh revealed the presence of a cluster of bots, numbering about 
one hundred, located in the cardiac region of the oesophagus. 
They completely obstructed the passage of food into the stomach. 
The horse died suddenly, as if suffocated, from distension of the 
oesophagus and pressure on the trachea. 

The following case, furnished for the " Veterinarian " by Sur- 
geon Mather, illustrates another mode of death from the pres- 
ence of bots : ' 

" The inclosed tongue and larynx I took from a foal this even- 
ing, which I shall feel obliged to you for examining, as at the base 
of the tongue you will find about a score of what appear to me to 
be perfeet specimens of a small bot. I have only made a partial 
examination, as I was anxious to send the specimen off to you 
before it became decomposed, as the weather is very hot. The 
history of the case is as follows : Two days ago I was requested to 
go to Lord Glasgow's breeding establishment, to see a foal that 
was unwell. I inquired of the stud-groom how long the animal 
had been ill, and he informed me that three days ago it appeared 
to have a difficulty in swallowing, and that he noticed some saliva 
issuing from its mouth; and that, thinking it had a sore throat, 
he had rubbed some embrocation upon the parts. On examining 
the animal, I found it in a very debilitated state. Pulse, very 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 177 

weak, and numbering 80 ; ears and legs, extremely cold, associated 
with shivering fits of the entire body; mouth, filled with partly 
masticated hay and grass ; tongue, furred. The animal had seem- 
ingly a desire to eat, but was unable to open its mouth more than 
about an inch. It was likewise unable to swallow any thing but 
liquids, and these only in very small quantities. In spite of all I 
could do, the power of swallowing got worse, and this morning it 
died, very much to their disappointment, as it was a very high- 
bred animal. 

Could this foal have taken in the ova of the gad-fly, and some 
of them become hatched, and, instead of passing into the stomach, 
have become adherent to the base of the tongue, and there set up 
such an amount of irritation as to cause the parts to swell so as to 
prevent the animal from swallowing ? 

Observations on the- Gase. — We are indebted to Assistant Pro- 
fessor Varnell for the following remarks upon this singular case: 

' The morbid specimen forwarded by Mr. G. Mather, is of very 
rare occurrence. We have never met with such an One before, nor 
are we aware that a similar instance has ever been recorded. The 
parts came to hand in a good state of preservation, although the 
temperature at the time was very high, so that we were enabled 
to form a pretty correct opinion as to the nature of the changes 
that had taken place during the life of the animal. The dorsum 
of the tongue, its root, the whole of the surface of the fauces, the 
velum palati, and the margin of the glottal opening, as well as the 
lining membrane of the larynx and pharynx, were very much in- 
flamed, and, in places, considerably thickened. These parts were 
likewise covered with a deposit seemingly consisting of a mixture 
of mucus, lymph, and pus. 

The most remarkable feature, however, of the case was in the 
cause that had given rise to the inflammatory state of the throat ; 
namely, the existence of a number of small bots — the oestrus hem- 
orrhoidalis (the ' red-tailed horse bot' of Bracy Clark) — which 
were found to be firmly adhering, by their tentacula, to the mu- 
cous membrane. Besides the number which were still in situ, 
many others had apparently been attached to the parts, but which 
had, most likely, been lost in the handling they had undergone. 

By a little reflection, we may probably form a correct opinion 
as to how these parasites became located in this unusual situation. 
We imagine that the foal, by licking, gathered the ova, in a state 
12 



178 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

of perfection, from the hair of its dam, on which they had been 
deposited, rather than from its own coat. The perfected ova, 
being thus taken into the mouth, became first entangled in its 
mucus, and finally lodged in those shallow recesses at the root of 
the tongue, where they became hatched. Some of these creatures 
measured as much as three-eighths of an inch in length, and rather 
less than one in diameter. They were firmly fixed, by their little 
booklets, apparently to the inner surface of the mucous follicles. 
Their free extremities were of a deep red color, and their bodies 
of a yellowish brown/ " 

Treatment. — The only remedy for ridding the system of bots is 
a run at grass, in the month of May. 

Gastritis, or Inflammation of the Stomach. 

Acute inflammation of the stomach seldom, if ever, occurs 
among horses as a spontaneous aifection. It is usually occasioned 
by irritating medicines or poisons, or food of an inferior quality. 
When an irritating poison has been received into the stomach, and 
excites inflammation there, or when acute inflammation arises 
from any cause, the symptoms which mark that inflammation are 
pain, distress, and restlessness ; a loathing of food ; for, if any thing 
be given by the mouth, it creates increased pain. The animal 
breaks out in a cold sweat, lies down and quickly rises again, be- 
comes early and greatly prostrated in strength, and has a pulse 
usually quick and much oppressed. Sometimes purging sets in ; 
at others, the bowels are constipated. The disease is very apt to 
run into gastro-enteritis — inflammation of the stomach and bowels. 

Treatment. — The general treatment consists in the administra- 
tion of slippery-elm mucilage, and half-ounce doses of chlorate of 
potass, two or three times per day. Should gas accumulate in the 
stomach or bowels, give one ounce of hyposulphite of soda, dissolved 
in a pint of warm water. The ordinary drink should consist of 
hay tea, to which a small quantity of molasses may be added. 

Rupture of the Stomach. 

Rupture of the stomach is always a fatal malady, over which 
neither art nor nature has any control ; yet, the accident being one 
of frequent occurrence, it becomes necessary for us to know some- 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 179 

thing regarding its cause and symptoms, which are all detailed in 
the following case, from the author's note-book : 

Death of a Horse from Ruptured Stomach. — The subject, a black 
gelding, nine years old, had been driven a distance of twelve miles 
into the city; on arriving at the "City Hotel stable," he first 
manifested signs of uneasiness, by pawing with his feet and turn- 
ing his head toward the belly. He finally got down, rolled, 
tumbled about, and passed considerable flatus, etc. His owner, 
supposing him to be the subject of colic, administered a dose of 
" fire-water," in the form of gin and cayenne pepper, followed by 
three ounces of spirits of niter. He urinated freely, passed con- 
siderable flatus, yet grew no better very fast. Four hours from 
the commencement of the attack our attention was called to him. 
The case then appeared hopeless, consequently we declined pre- 
scribing. The following were the symptoms : Pulse, small and 
thready; in number, fifty-six; respirations, sixty — laborious, 
emitting, occasionally, a sort of grunt, indicative of pressure, from 
a distended stomach, on the diaphragm and lungs. The eyes 
were amaurotic (pupils dilated and loss of vision) ; sclerotica 
(white of the eye) slightly injected ; conjunctival membrane, 
within the eyelids, surcharged with blood. The buccal membrane, 
within the mouth, intensely inflamed, induced, probably, by the 
fire-water drench. The tongue was of a leaden hue, and the nasal 
membranes were somewhat reddened. The body, or external 
surface, was the seat of profuse perspiration,, which ran down the 
limbs like rain. They, as well as other parts of the body, re- 
mained comfortably warm until within a few minutes of death. 
There appeared to be considerable distension in the region of the 
stomach, and less at the flanks, from which circumstance we con- 
cluded that the patient was laboring under tympanitis (windy dis- 
tension) of the stomach. At the moment of death, the reverse 
was the case, which circumstance seemed to confirm this opinion ; 
for then, the stomach being ruptured, the gas would diffuse itself 
in the abdominal cavity and increase in bulk. 

Aspect and motions of the body. — The head was kept within 
striking distance of the ground; the tail was elevated, and kept 
in a quivering condition (involuntary). The fore extremities were 
advanced, one leg frequently crossing the other ; the hinder parts 
maintained a crouching attitude, and the penis hung pendulous. 
"When not in fhis position, the patient would revolve in a circle ; 



180 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

then lie down flat on his side, turn his head toward the ribs, and, 
after a short time, raise the forward parts, and sit on his haunches 
like a dog. At last he fell over, gave two or three convulsive 
struggles, and died, just thirty -five minutes from the time we first 
saw him. 

Next morning, in company with Dr. Wood, we proceeded to 
Ward's establishment, but came very near being too late ; for the 
metamorphosis of the horse into grease, food for swine, etc., had 
commenced. We however had an opportunity to make a casual 
examination of some of the organs, and found a rupture of the 
stomach of some six or eight inches. The contents, some of which 
were found in the abdominal cavity, weie very imperfectly (crudely) 
masticated. It may be proper, therefore, to name the disease in- 
digestion ; its consequences, tympanitis of the stomach ; the cause 
of death, rupture of the stomach. The loss of vision referred to 
is one of the symptoms which generally attends acute indigestion. 

A person, who was present during the last moments of the ani- 
mal's life, asked if Ave were not going to give or administer some- 
thing. Our reply was, that we never tortured dying horses by 
forcing drugs down their throats. One of our duties, as a physi- 
cian, was to know when to withhold medicine — when to do 
•nothing ; and another equally important one was to be able to 
■discriminate between .a hopeless and curable case. The one in 
question was beyond the aid of science, and, therefore, in view of 
'" clearing our skirts " of being the cause of death by administer- 
ing the last dose (a charge that is often ungenerously laid at the 
door of medical men), we preferred to watch the dying animal, 
and give directions calculated to lessen the pains of death. 

Unfortunately for us and our patients, many employers form an 
estimate of medical qualification in proportion to the amount of 
medicine administered. They have an idea that the more medi- 
cine we give, the greater are our efforts to control the disease, and 
the more willing are they to pay for the same, when, in ninety- 
nine cases out of a hundred, the very reverse is the case; for 
•many diseases to which horses and cattle are subject have a definite 
type and limited duration, and would terminate favorably with 
less medicine ; provided, however, the patient have the advantages 
of pure air, suitable diet, and proper management. Many medi- 
cal men are compelled to swerve from the line of their own con- 
victions merely to satisfy their employers. This should not be. 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 181 

If a man employs a physician, (quacks are not here considered,) 
he should have unbounded confidence in the ability of the former 
to treat the case. If any thing occur to lessen that confidence, let 
the attendant be discharged immediately. The employer has no 
right to dictate how or in what way his horse shall be treated when 
he abandons him to scientific men. The science of medicine is 
never a " God-send." No man is thus favored. It is the result 
of diligent application and study, in and out of the dissecting-room, 
and the legitimate student of medicine is a person entitled to the 
full confidence of reasonable men for its legitimate practice. 
Therefore, we contend that the qualifications of a veterinary sur- 
geon should never be estimated in ratio to the quantity of drugs 
administered, nor the length of his newly-invented syringe, nor 
by the number of instruments contained in his pocket-case; but 
by nis works let him be judged. 

There is one practice, prevalent among some horsemen, which 
we very much deplore ; that is, the drenching of sick animals with 
gin, pepper, and molasses. This is a universal stable panacea in 
certain quarters, and is often the cause of much pain and annoy- 
ance to the animal, and more frequently of an aggravated form 
of disease. Gin, or the fire-water sold under that name, is not 
always to be procured pure. A great deal of it appears to us to 
be composed of spirits of turpentine, new rum, and spirits of juniper, 
which, of course, in certain cases, excites inflammatory action. We 
have seen a horse's mouth in a most shocking condition — the in- 
terior surfaces almost completely denuded — after a drench of the 
same ; consequently, in cases of inflammation of the stomach or 
bowels, (which the stable oracles are apt to mistake for colic, or 
" bots," as they term it,) the remedy (poison) is certainly objection- 
able, because it not only operates unfavorably on the horse by ag- 
gravating the disease, and sometimes changing a simple into a grave 
one, but much valuable time is lost, in not sending for a competent 
person to treat the case. Besides, if a medical man be called on 
after the animal has been improperly treated, he then has two 
things to contend against : a medicinal disease and .the original 
one; and the former is sometimes more difficult to control than 
the latter; and this is the reason why some medical men, ourselves 
included, refuse to take charge of what we term a second-hand 
case. 

The above case illustrates our argument. The remedies were 



182 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

not adapted to the emergency. Even the simple article molasses 
was objectionable, because it is an acid. The case required alka- 
lies, in the form of ammonia or chloride of lime. Gin was ob- 
jectionable, because it is an excitant of the brain and nervous 
system, when, instead of the brain, the stomach ought to have 
been stimulated. Niter, which was given, is an agent that in- 
creases urinary discharges only, and, therefore, was not needed. 
The trouble was in the stomach — to arouse its function and con- 
dense the gas which distended the same. Alkalies and tonics 
should have been administered, followed by such other treatment 
as the nature of the case demanded. We look upon this gin and 
molasses treatment as decidedly unprofitable to owners of live 
stock. It savors too much of our grandmothers' castor-oil prac- 
tice, which often proves more heroic than salutary, does moue 
harm than good, and, at the present day, is decidedly unpopular. 
Our advice to horse-owners, therefore, is, if you have a sick 
animal, and can not comprehend the nature of the disease, never 
attempt to prescribe for him, but call in the aid of a professional 
man. We give this advice under the conviction that domestic 
animals are subject to many of the diseases that afflict our race ; 
that the treatment should be somewhat analagous, and the tact 
and skill not inferior, but superior, to that of the human practi- 
tioner. 

Gorged or Over-distended Stomach. 

Gorged stomach is usually the result of overfeeding, by which 
means the stomach becomes overtaxed in its function, or over- 
burdened in its capacity; so that, in the first place, digestion is 
partially or totally suspended; and, secondly, the stomach, being 
distended beyond its physiological capacity, can not perform the 
mechanical action, viz. : contraction and expansion, so necessary 
for the physiological process of digestion. The act of digestion is 
consummated through the aid of Nature's chemistry, by means of 
the salivial fluids, bile and pancreatic juice. These are the solvents 
of all the digestible food. This chemical action receives much aid 
in the mechanical action of the muscular fibers of the stomach, 
which, by alternate contractions and expansions, keep not only the 
stomach in motion, but also its contents, and thus the food is di- 
gested. As regards overfeeding, however, it may be proper to 
remark, lest the groom or feeder take offense, that an animal may 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 183 

be regularly fed from meal to meal (not carelessly overfed), yet 
the stomach, being disordered, does not digest the usual meal. A 
portion of it is " left over," as the saying is, and thus gradually 
accumulates in that organ, until over-distension, with its conse- 
quences, commands our attention. The reader must also bear in 
mind that horses sometimes free themselves from the halter at 
night, or when the groom is absent, and voluntarily gorge them- 
selves ; therefore the person who has charge of and feeds the sub- 
ject is not always at fault. When engorgement of the stomach 
occurs, and is associated with flatulency, the sufferings are doubly 
severe, because then the intestines are also the seat of distension, 
and the pain from that alone is sometimes terrific. 

The following case, which lately occurred in the author's prac- 
tice, fully .illustrates the condition just alluded to. The subject 
was a bay gelding, aged about seven years, the owner of which in- 
formed me that the animal had, in the early part of the morning, 
broken loose from his stall, and immediately commenced a des- 
perate attack on a bag of oats, which happened to be within reach. 
The horse was known as a ravenous feeder, and the probability is 
that he did not spare the oats, but took a pretty large dose, so as 
to over-distend his stomach. The services of the animal being re- 
quired, a few hours afterward he was hitched up. He soon, how- 
ever, showed symptoms of distress, attempted to lie down, and 
finally got into a profuse perspiration. Shortly after this, my 
attention was called to him. I found the patient in great distress — 
his head pendulous ; breathing, much embarrassed ; pulse, very 
rapid; body, bedewed with a chilly perspiration; legs and ears, 
cold ; continual eructations of gas ; at the same time efforts to 
vomit, which brought away nothing more than salival secretion, 
which, however, was quite profuse. The patient rolled and tum- 
bled about considerably, and would occasionally stand up for a few 
seconds at a time. 

Treatment. — It appeared that the indications, in view of relief, 
w r ere to arouse the action of the stomach, and, at the same time, to 
arrest fermentation. I was under the impression that the contents 
of the gorged stomach could only be got rid of in the ordinary way, 
viz. : by digestion. I am aware that it is customary to give drastic 
cathartics, in view of getting rid of the contents of the stomach ; 
yet I would not advise the reader to do this, for the horse may die 
ere the medicine operates. The following drench was administered : 



184 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

No. 20. Fluid extract of ginger 1 oz. 

Fluid extract of golden seal 2 oz. 

Hyposulphite of soda 2 drachms. 

Water 4 oz. 

After the exhibition of the above, I threw into the rectum a 
couple of quarts of soap-suds, to which was added a handful of 
salt. In the course of about an hour the animal appeared to be 
somewhat relieved, and passed a large quantity of oats, whole. 
I repeated the dose ; also the enema. The patient very soon after- 
ward passed a large quantity of excrement, mixed with oats, and 
so rapidly improved that I left him, and did not see him until the 
next morning, when he appeared to have entirely recovered. 
"With the exception of a bran-mash or two, the above comprises 
the whole of the treatment. 

It was lucky for the horse as well as the parties concerned that 
the animal did not get corn instead of oats ; for the same quantity 
of corn would have surely caused death, from the fact that when this 
article of fodder is submitted, within the stomach, to the action of 
heat and moisture, it increases in bulk in a ratio of about five to 
one, and the usual result is rupture of the stomach. Still, should 
any of our readers be called upon to treat a case of the latter kind, 
there is no other plan of treatment with which 1 am acquainted 
that will be likely to succeed in saving the animal than the one 
here indicated. 

Another case. — The patient, a gray gelding, aged about eight 
years, the property of Messrs. "Wright & Bros., of Chicago, had 
performed an ordinary day's work without showing any symptoms 
of ill-health. About five o'clock in the evening he was unhar- 
nessed and put up for the night. In a few minutes it was noticed 
that he began to bloat, and that the abdomen increased in size very 
rapidly. A messenger was immediately dispatched for me. On 
arriving at the stable, I found the animal in a very dangerous con- 
dition. The abdomen was enormously distended, and an eructation 
of gas from the stomach, by the mouth, was continually occurring. 
The respirations were laborious and accelerated, and very much 
quickened ; pulse, very indistinct ; extremities and surface of the 
body, quite chilly ; rectum, protruding ; and the animal was very 
uneasy, and appeared to suffer much pain. Occasionally he would 
get down and make desperate efforts to roll on his back, yet he 
did not succeed, for he was round as a barrel ; and when he could 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 185 

scarcely stand alone, in fact, required the services of three men to 
steady him, he could walk, and seemed most at ease when kept 
in motion. I commenced immediately to inject warm soap-suds 
into the rectum ; but so soon as the fluid entered the same it was 
immediately ejected, there being no room for it within, in conse- 
quence of the distension of the walls of the intestines, which 
pressed on the rectum. I next attempted to administer a colic 
drench, composed of ginger, golden seal, and hyposulphite of soda, 
but did not succeed in getting much of it down ; for as soon as the 
fluid entered the sesophagus, it was met by a volume of eructating 
gas, which brought the fluid back by way of the mouth and nos- 
trils. I learned, however, that, previous to my arrival, Mr. 
Smith, the foreman, had succeeded in drenching the patient with 
a full dose of the colic mixture. This probably had the effect of 
limiting the generation of gas ; otherwise the animal might have 
died ere my arrival. The case now appeared almost hopeless ; so 
I procured a trocar and canula, and plunged them through the 
flank into the large intestines. (See puncture of the intestines). 
On withdrawing the cutting instrument, a steady volume of gas 
issued through the canula for a period of ten minutes. The relief 
was immediate. I next gave a dose of colic drench, and left the 
animal in charge of the owner for the night. Early next morn- 
ing I visited the animal, and found that he was all right. He was 
fed lightly for a few days, and, without any other medical treat- 
ment, was again put to work. 

The dangers to be apprehended in cases of this character are 
either rupture of the intestines or diaphragm. In either case, 
death is sure and certain. Sometimes, however, neither of these 
ruptures occur; then the distended intestines exert such pressure 
on the diaphragm and organs of respiration that the animal dies 
of suffocation and loss of pulse. When, therefore, it becomes im- 
possible for the patient to swallow medicine, in a case of this char- 
acter, recourse must be had to the trocar and canula, in view of 
liberating the imprisoned gas. The lack of a little knowledge on 
this subject has been the cause of the loss of very many valuable 
horses. 



186 dadd's veterinary medicine and surgery. 

Meteorization or Sudden Distension of the 
Intestines. 

Meteorization is the name given to a disease known as bloat or 
hoven in cattle. When it appears in a horse, it receives the above 
name, or else is termed acute tympanitis. This form of windy or 
tympanitic distension is always sudden in its attack ; animals ap- 
parently in the very best of health all at once show symptoms of 
enormous distension of the abdomen, and, in the course of a few 
moments, their lives may be said to be in peril. The distension 
of the stomach and intestines is due to the presence of an immense 
volume of gas — probably carbureted hydrogen — which augments 
either by spontaneous generation, or in consecpience of the food 
running into fermentation instead of being digested. 

Cause. — As regards the cause of this malady, we may, with 
safety, assert that it is the result of a temporary derangement of 
either the digestive function or the organs of digestion ; and such 
condition is inaugurated by overtaxing that function, or those 
organs which carry it on, either by feeding indigestible food, or in 
feeding with too liberal a hand. I have noticed that many ani- 
mals have periodical attacks of this malady. Such are said to be 
voracious feeders. Their abdomen is unusually large, and out of 
proportion to other parts of the body; hence, in so far as their 
conformation is concerned, they may be said to be predisposed; 
yet the disease sometimes occurs accidentally, and without the 
intervention of any hereditary tendency. 

Physiologists contend that very many diseases which afflict 
horses are due to hereditary tendencies. For example, diarrhea 
and colic are, to a certain extent, hereditary, inasmuch as they are 
very prone to attack animals of particular form and constitution, 
as those with narrow loins, large sides, and of what is generally 
termed a " washy " appearance. If such animals be overworked, 
especially soon after being fed, if their food be suddenly changed, 
or if they be allowed an unusual quantity of water, they are almost 
certain to be attacked by purging or tympanitis. The tendency of 
these diseases appears, in such cases, to depend on a want of adjust- 
ment among the different organs of the body — a want of balance 
among the functions of digestion, circulation, and respiration. 

The following case will give the reader some idea of the symp- 
toms and treatment of this malady : 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 187 

History of the Case. — The horse had performed his usual daily 
labor, without any fault-finding on the part of his driver, when, 
all at once, he commenced to bloat, appeared uneasy, and, by 
his actions, demonstrated very conclusively that he needed some 
assistance. On examination, I found that the abdomen was dis- 
tended to its utmost capacity. The walls of the abdomen were 
rigid as a plank, and the respirations, in consequence of the great 
pressure on the diaphragm and lungs, were very laborious and 
much accelerated, amounting to about one hundred per minute. 
The pulse was thready and indistinct; the tongue, livid; eyes, 
glassy and protruding ; surface of the body, bedewed with a cold, 
clammy perspiration ; paralysis ot the optic nerve had set in, and 
the animal was " blind as a bat ; " in fact, he was dead to all in- 
tents and purposes. This was not the worst feature of the case. 
He was continually vomiting from both nostrils, and, as the story 
goes, " a horse that vomits surely dies." Occasionally the animal 
would fall on the ground with violence, and then assume a vari- 
ety of positions, in view of finding some relief, but, alas ! to no 
purpose. His agony was intense, and there seemed to be no re- 
lief for him, unless by a surgical operation. Medicine was out 
of the question ; the animal had lost the power of swallowing, and 
an attempt to administer a drench would have choked him to 
death; so I selected the most salient or tympanitic spot on the 
left flank, and then sent a trocar and canula through the walls of 
the abdomen into the large intestine. So soon as I had withdrawn 
the trocar, the gas escaped very rapidly through the tube, making 
a noise like a steam-whistle. The animal obtained almost imme- 
diate relief, and the bad symptoms rapidly subsided, so that I was 
enabled to give a colic drench. This operated to prevent fer- 
mentation, and gave tone to the digestive organs. Two subse- 
quent drenches, of four ounces each, were given, and at the end 
of twenty-four hours the animal was taken home. The slight 
wound made through the walls of the abdomen into the intestine 
healed readily, so that I had no trouble with that; and, to con- 
clude, I would inform the reader that puncture of the intestine is 
the only rational plan of treatment in a case of this character. 

Colic drench is made up of the following ingredients : 

No. 21. Fluid extract of ginger 2 oz. 

Fluid extract of golden seal 2 oz. 

Hyposulphite of soda 1 oz. 



188 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Tympanitis. 

Case in Illustration. — At midnight, June 16, 1865, 1 was called 
upon to visit a horse afflicted with this disease. On arriving at 
the stable, I found the animal on the floor, apparently in great 
agony. The abdomen was distended with gas to an immense 
capacity ; the pulse was feeble ; respirations accelerated, and very 
laborious ; body was bedewed with a cold, clammy perspiration ; 
tips of the ears, cold ; extremities in a similar condition. Eruc- 
tations of gas from the stomach, by the way of the mouth, were 
constantly occurring, indicating that the stomach, as well as the 
intestines, were occupied with gas. The animal had bruised him- 
self very badly in struggling, and extensive abrasion of the skin 
had taken place in various parts of the body. I was informed 
that the horse had just returned from a very long journey, and 
had not tasted food for sixteen hours. On arriving at the stable, 
where I found him, a bountiful supply was placed before him. In 
his weak and exhausted condition, this was about the worst that 
could have been done ; for the stomach and digestive organs, 
sharing, either by direct sympathy or otherwise, with other parts 
of the body, were not in a fit state, until a period of rest had oc- 
curred, to digest even a small quantity of food. The cravings of 
hunger, or a morbid appetite, induced the animal to devour most, 
if not all, of what was placed before him. The consequence was, 
the food, instead of undergoing digestion, ran into fermentation, 
and generated gas known as sulphureted hydrogen. 

Treatment. — The animal was urged to rise. I then gave him a 
colic drench, composed of two ounces of fluid extract of golden 
seal, and one ounce of hyposulphite of soda. The surface of the 
body was then rubbed with wisps of straw, which produced some 
reaction, so that the surface of the patient became warmer. Oc- 
casionally the animal was led about for a short distance, and then 
was led back again to the stall, where he would get down, and roll 
and tumble about, as if in great agony. I administered enemas 
of soap-suds and salt, but did not succeed in bringing away either 
feces or gas, and all the gas which escaped from the alimentary 
cavity passed by the mouth. Two hours after the administration 
of the first dose, finding that the animal was still unrelieved, I 
repeated the dose of colic drench, and threw soap-suds into the 
rectum. Soon after some feces were voided, and with them quan- 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 189 

tities of gas. A slight improvement was soon perceptible, yet it 
appeared that the fermentation was still going on, as the abdomen 
did not decrease in volume ; so I gave two ounces of hyposulphite 
of soda, in view of arresting the generation of gas. This had the 
desired effect ; for, as the gas was liberated, the abdomen decreased 
in size. It was not, however, until a lapse of ten hours from the 
attack that the patient obtained complete relief from his suffer- 
ings. This case only differs from meteorization in the sudden- 
ness of the attack of the former. 

Persons who attempt to treat cases of this character must exer- 
cise due patience. The animal must suffer a certain length of 
time, notwithstanding the best-selected remedies are exhibited. 
In other words, the reader is advised not to be in too much of a 
hurry in getting the animal on its legs again. Take good care 
of him ; give him plenty of bedding to rest or roll on ; in short, 
nurse him as if he were a child, and, above all, do not give him 
too much medicine. 

Flatulent Colic. 

This is a disease of very frequent occurrence among horses. It 
is known by a distension of the intestines and abdomen, with 
flatus or gas. In the early stage, no perceptible abdominal dis- 
tension occurs, yet it very soon manifests itself. One way of sat- 
isfying ourselves of the presence of flatus is, to apply the ear to 
the abdominal region, within which a sort of active rumbling is 
heard, often accompanied by a tinkling or metallic sound. But 
while making our examination, we may, perhaps, perceive that 
the horse passes flatus by the anus, or eructates it from the stom- 
ach by the mouth. In either case, our doubts, if we have any, 
are set at rest. This feature of flatulency, accompanied by others 
which will be alluded to, complete the chain of evidence. 

In some cases the gas accumulates in the large intestines until 
the abdomen resembles, in size, that of an ox when " hoven." It 
is very distressing to witness the sufferings of an animal in this 
condition ; and when the intestines are so enormously distended 
as to threaten rupture, the only chance of relief is to send a trocar 
and canula through the walls of the abdomen, into some portion 
of the distended intestine, and thus liberate the gas. 

Symptoms. — It may be well to bear in mind that flatulent colic 



190 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

is always sudden in its attack, and some horses are liable to it under 
every variety of circumstance — in the stable, on the road, or at 
grass. At the commencement of the attack the animal becomes 
uneasy from pain, and commences to paw with his fore-feet. He 
soon gets down, and, if space be sufficient, he commences to roll 
from side to side, often remaining for a few moments on his back, 
in which position he seems to obtain temporary relief; Sometimes, 
as quick as thought, he is on his legs again, gives the body a shake, 
and then anxiously regards his flanks, by turning his .head toward 
one side or the other, as much as to say, " Here is the seat of my 
trouble." Soon he is down again on the floor, rolling and tum- 
bling about. Now and then the animal remains quiet for a time, 
in a sort of crouching attitude, the limbs being gathered beneath 
the body, until the distension is so great, or the pains so severe, 
that he must shift his position, when again we find him rolling, 
or standing with his hind extremities stretched backward, and the 
fore ones advanced, thus representing the attitude of a horse in the 
act of urinating. Supposing, at this period, that there be no flat- 
ulency present, yet the respirations are hurried, the pulse wiry, 
the eyes glassy, and the patient excessively nervous and uncon- 
trollable, the case is then of a spasmodic character (see Spasmodic 
Colic) ; but should the animal pass flatus, or the abdomen increase 
in volume, the case is unmistakable — it is flatulent colic. 

Causes. — I shall now offer some brief remarks on the cause -of 
colic. If we could only stretch the imagination, so as to take for 
granted all the popular causes assigned for the production of colic, 
then their name would be legion. Some writers inform us that a 
drink of cold water, when the animal is heated, is the most potent 
cause. Then we must infer that the horses ridden by the Russian 
Cossacs, in a country where cold water is abundant, should be the 
subjects of colic; but the very reverse is the case. The disease is 
almost unknown among them. 

Previous to the introduction of Cochituate water into the city 
of Boston, colic occurring among horses was partially attributed 
to the cold well-water then used; but now they all drink the 
former, yet colic is just as prevalent, and, indeed, more so, than 
at the time referred to. 

There are no people that pay more attention to the watering of 
horses than the English grooms, and it is customary, when a horse 
is taken from his home to a distant race-course, to remain away 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 191 

only a few days, to have sufficient water transported with him 
to last during his stay, such a dread have English grooms of 
" strange water," as they term it. Now, it is a notorious fact that 
English horses are more subject to bowel affections than those of 
this country. From this circumstance, I infer that bowel affec- 
tions are hereditary, or, in other words, a predisposition to such 
is transmitted from parents to offspring. 

I can well remember the time when physicians would not allow 
a fever patient to taste water ; but now they act more in accord- 
ance with reason, and allow the sick just what they crave for. It 
is not good policy, however, to allow a horse, when performing a 
journey, a bountiful supply of water, because active exercise some- 
what suspends the digestive function, and, therefore, the water 
may remain in a portion of the large intestines without undergo- 
ing the usual transformation. It then occupies space, and, being 
weighty, may, in the rapid movements of the animal, operate un- 
favorably in various ways, more particularly on the gut itself, it 
being pendulous from the spine. 

A horse is often brought into the stable in a state of profuse per- 
spiration, and, of course, is somewhat exhausted. Now, it would 
be decidedly wrong to either feed or water him until he is rubbed 
dry, and has rested awhile ; for, at such times food is just as likely, 
and, I think, more so than water, to operate unfavorably on an 
exhausted animal. Many horses, however, even when in this 
exhausted state, will fill their stomachs with food and water, and 
yet enjoy immunity from colic. Therefore, should colic occur in a 
horse after he has had a hard drive, he having partaken of a 
draught of water, it is rather difficult to decide which of the two, 
if either, was the cause of the malady. One fact is certain, and 
that is, the stomach is deranged, and, therefore, fermentation pre- 
cedes digestion; hence the gas. 

Notwithstanding our best efforts to prevent it, colic will occa- 
sionally occur. Green grass, clover, carrots, and turnips are said 
to occasion it. Then, again, it appears in stables, where nothing 
but corn, oats, and hay are used. One horse is attacked imme- 
diately after a draught of cold water ; another has the chill taken 
off his, yet he is often found in the same predicament. Warm 
water is the most insipid and nauseating drink that you can offer 
a horse ; and many would prefer to "continue thirsty for some time 
ere they would imbibe it. 



192 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

It is well known to physiologists, and I presume the reader 
must have observed, that both men and animals inherit peculiar 
idiosyncrasies. Each are predisposed, either through parental de- 
fect, temperament, or conformation, to certain forms of disease. 
This peculiarity, or predisposition, is said to lurk in breed, and 
those conversant with the horse's structure and temperament can 
readily determine whether he be predisposed to certain forms of 
disease or not. For example, a horse predisposed to flatulent colic 
is often observed to have a capacious belly, voracious appetite, and 
does not properly masticate his food ; and he is not over-particular 
as to the kind of diet, for we often find him devouring, with ap- 
parent relish, the filthy straw that has served as bedding. Often 
he proves to be a " crib-biter." (Cribbing is a defect, either in- 
herited or acquired.) Ordinarily the salivial fluid is augmented, 
yet it does not look healthy ; it is more like soap-suds, and of a 
dirty color. The tongue is also foul, and the breath somewhat 
fetid. One or more of these peculiarities generally predominate 
in colicky horses. I contend, therefore, that some horses are pre- 
disposed to colic ; and this explains the reason why the ordinary 
exciting causes, such as cold water, exposure, fatigue, irritating 
food and medicine, are operative on the system of one horse and 
inoperative on that of another. Colic is the heritage of some of 
the best horses in the world. 

Now, should the question be asked, What are the causes of colic? 
I answer, It is occasioned by predisposing, direct and indirect 
causes, operating conjointly or not. In all cases of colic, the 
function of the stomach is either disturbed or partly suspended. 

Treatment. — The principal objects in the cure of colic are, to 
restore the tone of the stomach, by means of stimulants and tonics, 
and to arrest fermentation and absorb the gases of the alimentary 
canal. I shall not undertake to say that the remedies here alluded 
to are the very best ; but, as I have met with remarkable success 
in their use, I can safely recommend them. I have an impression 
that when a horse is the subject of colic, he requires to be treated 
just as any intelligent physician would treat one of us. There 
is no necessity to convert his stomach into a " slop-shop." The 
patient should be treated in a rational manner, by the same means 
and with the same skill as if one of our race were concerned. 

I do not like to see an animal trotted up one street and down 
another, followed by a biped, whip in hand, and a crowd of idlers, 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 193 

when he is the subject of excruciating abdominal pains, and the 
sweat is pouring off him like rain, from sheer agony. The cus- 
tom is decidedly wrong. Our reasoning faculties confirm this 
opinion ; and what reason teaches, man should endeavor to put in 
practice. No practitioner of human medicine dare advise such a 
course as compelling a man to hop off a bed of sickness, and start 
on a fast trot up and down stairs ; for, should he so advise, he 
would very soon entitle himself to a ticket of leave. Should, 
however, the attack be slight, a little walking exercise does no 
harm ; and if the patient appears disposed to roll, it were better 
to let him do so — on the ground, rather than in a narrow stall. 

My usual directions are : Give the patient a wide stall and 
plenty of bedding. Let him lie down, rise, and tumble about 
just as much as he pleases, only watch and see that no accident 
happens to the animal. The colic drench used by the author, 
during the past ten years, is composed of the following : 

No. 22. Fluid extract of Jamaica ginger 2 oz. 

Fluid extract of golden seal 1 oz. 

Powdered hyposulphite of soda 1 oz. 

Water 4 oz. 

Dissolve the hyposulphite of soda in the water, then add the 
other ingredients to it. The dose may be repeated, if necessary. 

A good wisp of straw, vigorously applied to the belly and flanks, 
and also to the limbs, may do some good, because we thus preserve 
the equilibrium of the circulation. Enemas of soap-suds should 
be administered often, and, provided the case be a curable one, 
the horse will soon recover. 



Spasmodic Colic. 

The usual causes of spasmodic colic are, mental emotions, ex- 
ternal chilliness by exposure, cold water drank hastily, drastic 
cathartics, poisons, etc. Spasmodic colic is usually confined to the 
small intestines, and they become cramped and contorted. In this 
condition the patient is much tortured. The pain occasionally 
remits, and the patient will appear easy, but only for a short time. 
In some cases the patient will stamp and paw almost continually, 
and strike his belly. He throws himself violently on the floor, 
and occasionally rolls on his back. The abdomen is not distended, 
as in the case of flatulent colic, but is rather tucked up, and the 
13 



194 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

abdominal walls are rigidly contracted. In the commencement 
of the malady, the pulse is usually.hard and wiry, but varies as 
the disease progresses ; and the same is true of the respirations, 
viz. : they are accelerated and laborious. The patient occasionally 
suffers much pain in consequence of retention of urine and over- 
distension of the bladder, which is the result of sympathetic spasm 
in the region of the neck of the bladder. Such are the notable 
symptoms of spasmodic colic. 

Treatment. — The disease being of a spasmodic character, requires 
the exhibition of medicines of an antispasmodic character, such as 
assafetida, lobelia, sulphuric ether, and copious enemas of warm 
water, or an infusion of lobelia. The latter is the most valuable 
antispasmodic now in use. Should the case, however, be a des- 
perate one, I advise the reader to follow the treatment indicated 
in the following case, taken from my note-book : 

On making an examination of the animal, the following symp- 
toms were observed: Pulse, very strong and wiry, averaging 
twenty beats above the natural standard ; membranes of the mouth, 
nose, and eyes very vascular, or highly reddened ; the surface of 
the body was bedewed, in patches, with perspiration; there ap- 
peared to be much rigidity of the muscles, especially in the ab- 
dominal region. All at once the animal would throw himself 
violently on the floor, and throw his limbs about in the most wild 
and reckless manner. He would assume all sorts of positions, yet 
seemed to obtain most ease when flat on his back ; still, if closely 
approached or touched, he would kick and strike with fury, as if 
he were intent on mischief. In short, the horse cut up such an- 
tics that it was almost impossible to approach him; yet I finally 
succeeded in delivering an antispasmodic drench while the animal 
lay on his back, in which position I also gave an enema, composed 
of warm water and lobelia. 

The animal kept growing more restive and uncontrollable, till, 
at last, it became very evident that convulsions had set in. The 
breathing had become fearfully laborious and rapid; his nostrils 
were dilated to their utmost capacity; the sight had become so 
affected, through temporary paralysis of the optic nerve, that tem- 
porary blindness had set in. 

There seemed to be little hope for the animal, and, fearing that 
he might either kill himself by violence, or injure those in attend- 
ance, I concluded to chloroform him, and thus put a stop to his 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 195 

dangerous performances. He had had the best of us long enough, 
and now it was for me to show what science had in store for such 
otherwise unmanageable cases. I procured a mixture, composed 
of four ounces of chloroform and the same quantity of sulphuric 
ether; next, a sponge was tied to a broom-handle, and covered 
with a towel. Thus we were enabled to chloroform him at a safe 
distance. 

The patient did not seem to relish this mode of practice. He 
fought for some time, tried to strike and kick me, but, being tem- 
porarily blind, I had the advantage of him. It was soon evident 
that the chloroform was beginning to do its work. The patient 
gradually settled himself on the floor, and was soon completely 
etherized. As it is dangerous to keep a horse under the full effects 
of chloroform any great length of time, I now removed the sponge, 
and only applied it occasionally, slightly saturated, so as to insure 
a sort of incomplete state of insensibility. It was an encouraging 
sight to behold the once powerful and furious animal now lying 
free from pain, and deprived of the power of injuring himself or 
those in attendance ; and it is also gratifying to know that science 
ministers to the wants and necessities of the inferior as well as the 
superior orders of creation. 

At the expiration of an hour, during which time the animal 
was more or less under the anaesthetic agent, he was allowed to 
rise. He gave himself a few shakes, and seemed very much re- 
lieved and more tranquil. I now gave a drench of spirits of niter 
and infusion of lobelia ; administered, also, a lobelia enema, and 
left the patient to the care of his attendants. A few hours after- 
ward I again visited the patient, and learned that he had a slight 
spasm occasionally, for which I prescribed two drachms of pow- 
dered assafetida. I then introduced the male catheter into the 
bladder, drew off a small quantity of urine, and this. completed 
the whole of the treatment. The patient recovered. 

Another case of Spasmodic Colic, treated by Inhalation. — The 
subject was a large and powerful stallion, aged about eight years, 
the property of a gentleman residing in Chicago. The horse was 
attacked in the street with symptoms of acute abdominal pain, 
and, in consequence, was hurried home to the stable. The mo- 
ment he arrived there, he threw himself down and commenced 
rolling, and grew excessively uneasy and irritable. In the course 
of an hour our attention was called to him. He then exhibited 



196 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

symptoms of acute abdominal pain. The eyes appeared wild, and 
their membranes congested ; the nostrils were dilated ; pulse, about 
sixty ; extremities cold ; body, bedewed with perspiration ; no tym- 
panitis, yet the animal anxiously regarded his flanks. He would 
paw with his fore-feet, and strike forward in a most reckless man- 
ner, and fall down, as if in convulsions ; then he would roll on 
his back, curve his head to one side, and, as quick as thought, 
jump up again. 

He was now so spiteful and unmanageable that it was impos- 
sible to administer either drench or ball. We tried every means 
to get something down, but all to no purpose; he was determ- 
ined to make us keep beyond the reach of his fore-feet and 
mouth. It now became evident to us that the patient must be 
mastered, and, in this view, not knowing at the time that the 
agent we were about to use would act beneficially on the disease, 
we procured three ounces of chloroform, and the same quantity 
of sulphuric ether. An old sheet and a sponge were used as an 
inhaler. Watching an opportunity, when the horse was down, 
we got two men to secure him there by the neck. We then sat- 
urated the sponge with the mixture, and applied the same to the 
nostrils, enveloping them with the folded sheet, leaving an orifice 
for the admission of air. The patient struggled violently at first, 
but soon became quieter, and, in the course ot two minutes, trem- 
bled, breathed deep and loud. The pupils then became dilated, 
the breathing stertorous, and the animal was fully etherized. 
Having him completely under control, we were not disposed to let 
him up in a hurry. The sponge, however, was removed, and so 
soon as he showed signs of partial consciousness, it was again re- 
plenished with ether, and applied. 

Supposing that the case might be running on to intussusception, 
or entanglement of the bowels, we thought there could be no harm 
in keeping the animal under the influence of an agent that seemed 
to act so well ; consequently he was kept under its influence for 
fifty-five minutes. His head was then brought toward the door, 
and a few drops of cold water were sprinkled on him. Soon he 
raised his head, looked bewildered, yet showed no symptoms of 
pain nor uneasiness. Shortly afterward he got on his legs, but 
had to be supported by several men, who soon rubbed him dry. 
He was then drenched with laudanum, five drachms ; sweet spirits 
of niter, one ounce. He was led to a stall, entirely free from pain, 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 197 

partook of some gruel, and rested well during the night. Next 
morning he got five drachms of aloes and one of ginger, in solu- 
tion ; the bowels responded to the same, and four days after he 
was at work. We would not, however, have the reader suppose 
that the same agent shall suit all cases of this character ; for 
another similar feat might prove a failure, and a third equally un- 
manageable. A case might yield to the ordinary sedatives, how- 
ever, provided the patient could be induced to swallow them. 

Inflammation of the Peeitoneum (Peeitonitis). 

The peritoneum is a serous membrane, which not only gives a 
covering to the intestines, but also a lining to the abdominal cav- 
ity. Our pathologists teach that the peritoneum, like other serous 
membranes, is very ready to take on inflammatory action upon the 
operation of certain exciting causes. Watson informs us that 
"acute inflammation, beginning in one spot, is almost sure to 
transfer itself to any other spot that happens to be in contact with 
the first, and is very apt to extend itself rapidly to the whole 
membrane. The disease tends to the effusion of serum, and of 
coagulable lymph. It is of the adhesive kind, and its effects are 
those of distending the peritoneal cavity with fluid, or of gluing 
its opposite surfaces together, so as to obliterate that cavity, or 
of forming partial attachments. In all these respects the analogy 
between inflammation of the peritoneum and inflammation of the se- 
rous membranes of the chest and the covering of the heart is perfect." 

Peritonitis is generally a manageable disease when treated ac- 
cording to the principles of rational medicine ; but when treated 
according to the dictum of Blain and others, who have never 
done any original thinking, in so far as veterinary science is con- 
cerned, it is decidedly the reverse. For example, here is a pas- 
sage from Blain's works : 

" The treatment of peritonitis is much the same as for enteritis. 
The only difference is, that the animal will lose more blood before 
he displays any symptoms of uneasiness. We may also be more 
bold with purgatives. The three ounces of solution of aloes may 
be increased to five, the pint of oil enlarged to a pint and a half; 
and if this produces no signs of its having acted on the bowels, 
it may even be repeated when another three hours and a half have 
elapsed. All the other measures are alike, in both cases." 



198 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Those who follow such advice as this would be very apt to lose 
their patients, either through the direct influence of meddlesome 
medication, or by converting peritonitis into dropsy of the abdo- 
men. But let us see what Watson says on the subject of the 
treatment of peritonitis : 

" Most writers whose worth I am acquainted with recommend 
purgatives as highly serviceable in peritonitis. I do not think the 
good which they are calculated to do, as antiphlogistic remedies, 
can at all be put in competition with the harm that I am per- 
suaded they may produce, by increasing the peristaltic action of 
the intestines, and so causing additional friction and tension of 
the inflamed membrane. I believe that in all cases of well-marked 
and pure peritonitis, when the inflammation is limited to the se- 
rous membrane, it is far better and safer to restrain than to solicit 
the internal movements of the alimentary tube." 

In human practice, physicians, instead of giving purgatives, 
resort to the use of narcotics, in view of tranquilizing the system, 
and for the purpose of mitigating the intense pain which exists 
during the acute attack. 

Symptoms. — The most marked symptoms of peritonitis are as 
follows : In the early stage, the animal paws slightly, but not 
with that sort of viciousness which is characteristic of colic or 
strangulation of the intestines. Soon, he shows febrile symptoms ; 
the pulse runs up to seventy or more, and a shivering fit sets in. 
When pressure is made on the abdomen, the animal evinces signs 
of pain. He will sometimes get down and lie on his back, but 
he soon finds out that the best way of lessening his pains and 
aches is to keep as quiet as possible. His tongue is usually coated, 
and the bowels are inactive. 

Treatment. — Give the patient mucilaginous drinks, as in the case 
of enteritis, and drench him occasionally with an infusion of poppy- 
heads, in pint doses. Empty the rectum by means of soap-suds 
enemas, and then throw in a quart of infusion of hops. Cloths, 
wet with warm water, should be applied to the abdomen, and the 
surface of the body should be kept warm by means of blankets. 
This kind of treatment, with good nursing, will probably restore 
the animal to health. Should symptoms of dropsy set in, give two 
ounces of fluid extract of buchu, daily. 



diseases of the digestive organs. 199 

Ascites, or Abdominal, Dropsy. 

Ascites signifies a collection of serous fluid within the abdom- 
inal cavity. The subject of this disease is noticed as having a 
symmetrical and uniform enlargement of the abdomen ; and, if the 
patient be a mare, some persons are likely to infer that she is 
pregnant, but examination, by pressure, will suffice to determine 
the conditions; for, if pressure be made with the fingers, in the 
abdominal region, a waving or fluctuating motion is discovered, 
similar to that which follows the forcible displacement of liquid. 
This fluctuation is the discriminating symptom between ascites 
and pregnancy, for in the case of pregnancy no such fluctuation 
can be elicited. 

Ascites is usually the result of some chronic or acute disease of 
the peritoneum (lining membrane of the walls of the abdomen), 
or, rather, a loss of equilibrium between the local functions of 
secretion and absorption. This disease, like many others, may be 
rapid or insidious. If rapid or acute, it is apt to prove fatal in 
the course of a few days ; if insidious or chronic, the animal may 
survive for a long time, as the following case will show : 

Case of Dropsy of the Abdomen, ending in Rupture of the Stom- 
ach. — The subject of the above-named affections was a mare, owned 
by the North Chicago Railroad Company. She had been in their 
employ during a period of three years, and had always performed 
the work required of her without any manifestation of disease ; in 
fact, had gone her usual trips up to within a few hours of her death. 
She had just partaken of a hearty breakfast, when, all at once, she 
began to falter, and the surface ol the body was soon bedewed with 
a profuse perspiration ; she trembled, the head became pendulous, 
and the case assumed an alarming aspect. 

This happened at about six o'clock in the morning. At eight, 
my attention was called to her, when the following symptoms were 
observed. Pulse, small and indistinct ; respirations, humid, and 
rather laborious ; abdomen, quite tense from distension ; percus- 
sion over the region of the abdomen yielded a dull sound, yet 
fluctuating, showing that the abdominal cavity was occupied by 
some kind of fluid. From the peculiar conformation of the abdo- 
men, I at first suspected that the animal was pregnant, which 
proved not to be the case. 

On percussing over the region of the stomach, a tympanitic 



200 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

sound was elicited, showing that the stomach contained a large 
quantity of gas, and was over-distended. Her extremities were 
cold, and other symptoms were present which indicate death. I 
suspected that the food was running into fermentation, and, in 
view of arresting it, I gave one ounce of the hyposulphite of soda, 
and the same quantity of fluid extract of ginger and golden seal. 
The body was bathed with new rum, and she was rubbed vigor- 
ously, by three men, for about half an hour, from which treatment 
she seemed to rally some. Several injections of salt and soap-suds 
were thrown into the rectum. They brought away a slimy sub- 
stance, but very little feces. Finally nothing came away but that 
which was injected, and from this I was led to infer that, either 
from pressure or stricture, the small intestines were closed. 

I now determined to send a trocar into the abdomen, for the 
purpose of discovering what it contained, and, accordingly, selected 
a point in the lower middle of the same. In withdrawing the cut- 
ting instrument, a fluid commenced to run, which, in color and 
consistence, resembled urine. For an hour and a quarter this fluid 
continued to run through the tube, and the amount obtained must 
have been over three bucketsful. I was in hopes that the with- 
drawal of this large amount of fluid might remove the pressure on 
the intestinal tube, and thus the gas, which was pent up in the 
stomach, might find its way to the anal outlet. Not so, however ; 
for, notwithstanding all our efforts and attention, the mare died, 
at noon, with rupture of the stomach. 

The autopsy revealed a rent, or rupture, in the stomach, of about 
eight inches in length, through which a portion of the food and 
fluids of the stomach had escaped into the abdominal cavity. The 
small intestines were the seat of stricture in several places ; their 
external surface, or, rather, peritoneal covering, was studded with 
albuminous and fibrous deposits, resulting from abdominal dropsy; 
otherwise, the contents of the chest and abdomen presented the 
appearance of perfect health. I should judge that the water had 
been accumulating in the abdominal cavity for a long time. The 
foreman at the stable observed that the animal always appeared 
very portly, so much so that the abdomen was square with the 
hips, which had led some persons to suppose that her hips were 
" knocked down.'' 

Most authors contend that when a horse is the subject of rupture 
of the stomach or intestines, he squats on the haunches, like a dog; 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 201 

but this animal did not exhibit any such symptoms, but stood up 
until within a few minutes of death. 

Treatment. — A case of this kind requires the exhibition of tonics 
and diuretics, and the following is the best remedy which can be 
given : 

No. 23. Fluid extract of buchu ) , , 

Fluid extract of snakehead J ^ " 

Mix. 

Dose, two ounces per day. 

Inflammation of the Intestines (Enteeitis). 

This disease is located on the inner or mucous coat of the in- 
testines, sometimes, however, involving the muscular portion of 
the same. The causes are various: improper management, bad 
food, worms, irritating medicines, musty hay or clover, chilling 
the body by cold water, exposure to rain, etc. 

Symptoms. — The disease often commences with a shivering fit, 
to which succeeds heat of the skin, restlessness, loss of appetite; 
the mouth hot and dry ; the inner membrane of the eyelids and 
nostrils are redder than usual. As the disease progresses, the pain 
increases, and the animal will lie down. There is no intermission 
of pain; it is persistent. The breathing is accelerated, and pres- 
sure in the abdominal region elicits symptoms of pain. The bowels 
are usually constipated, and if any feces are voided, they consist of 
small, hardened balls. 

An examination after death reveals a gangrenous state of the 
small and sometimes the large intestines. Often extravasated 
blood is found within the intestinal tube. So soon as the pain 
ceases, and the animal appears no better, we infer that gangrene 
has set in ; cold sweats set in, and the animal shortly dies. 

Treatment. — The treatment of enteritis does not, and should not, 
differ from that of any other acute affection. Mucilaginous drinks, 
chlorate of potass, hyposulphite of soda, in doses as recommended 
for inflammation of the stomach. Occasional enemas of soap-suds 
are to be thrown into the rectum, so long as the feces remain hard, 
or are voided with difficulty. The objectionable method of back- 
raking — so highly recommended by some authors — should never 
be resorted to ; it is a disgusting affair, and actually unnecessary ; 
for, let the rectum be ever so impacted, it can be evacuated by 



202 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 




DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 203 

enemeta, composed of soap-suds, to which add a little ginger or 
lobelia. If the weather is not too cold, cloths wet with warm water 
may be applied to the abdomen, over which throw a blanket, so 
as to prevent evaporation and chill. The outrageous treatment 
recommended by some authors is a disgrace to the profession. 
They recommend bleeding until the horse faints or falls ; then to 
scorch the sides with ammonia and cantharides ; and, lastly, to 
empoison what little blood he may have left in his system, so that 
death may occur secundum artem. 

Should the subject of inflammation of the intestines suffer much 
pain, a drench of half a pint or more of infusion of hops, or pop- 
pies, may be given occasionally ; or one ounce of the fluid extract 
of one of these agents may be substituted, to be given two or three 
times during twenty-four hours. 

The treatment of inflammation of the intestines, as well as in- 
flammation of any other part of the body, consists in using those 
means and agents which ward off or remove any agent which, in 
its effects, does, or tends to, deprive any of the organs or tissues 
of the living body of their vital action. The remedial means 
used to accomplish this object must be such, and such only, as 
sustain the weakened or increase the reduced vital action in any 
of the organs or tissues. This is the doctrine which the author 
attempts to teach in this work. And is the doctrine not plain? 
Could any thing accord more directly with reason, or commend 
itself more clearly to the common sense and unbiased judgment 
of intelligent people ? If the vital action of any of the organs or 
tissues become weakened or enfeebled, should they not be strength- 
ened ? Can this be done by any other agent and means than those 
which increase and strengthen this very vital action ? If this ac- 
tion, in any of the organs or tissues of the animal body, becomes 
reduced or impaired, must it not be increased by agents and means 
which cooperate with the vital power ? Then, how can agents and 
means which always impair vital action (poisons) cure disease? 

Different remedial means have different effects upon the organs 
and tissues of the system ; but all poisons and agencies which im- 
pair the integrity of the organism of a well animal must have a 
disastrous effect on one that is sick and suffering. Unhealthy and 
poisonous agents impair and reduce the vital action of certain 
organs and tissues according to the nature and tendency to affect 
various parts of the living structures. 



204 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Now, if it can be made to appear that disease consists, in its 
nature and effects, in increased vital action or increased health of 
any portion of the body diseased, then will it be proved that poi- 
sons are, and of necessity must be, medicines or the agents to cure 
disease. But what are we taught by our brethren of the heroic 
school upon this point? "In spontaneous disease," that is, dis- 
ease which occurs without any apparent cause, Hunter contends, 
" we know of no method that will entirely quiet or remove the 
inflammatory action or disposition. All we can do, probably, is 
to lessen every thing which has a tendency to keep it up. In- 
flammation is either an increase of life or an increase of a dispo- 
sition to use it." 

Again : " One of the means of curing this inflammation," says 
the same author, " is by producing weakness. The means of pro- 
ducing weakness of an absolute character are, bleeding, purging, 
and the exhibition of poisonous agents. The inconvenience, how- 
ever, arising from this practice is, that the sound and healthy 
parts must suffer nearly in the same proportion with the diseased ; 
for, by bringing the inflamed parts on a par with health, the 
sound parts must be brought much lower, so as to be too low. 
The first method, namely, bleeding, will have the greatest, the 
most permanent, the most lasting effect; because, if it have any 
effect at all, the diseased action can not be soon renewed; the 
second, purging and poisoning, will act as auxiliary, so that these 
processes go hand in hand ; but neither these nor sickness can pos- 
sibly lessen the original inflammatory disposition. Lessening the 
power of action belonging to the inflammatory disposition can 
only lessen or protect its effects, which, however, may be of serv- 
ice, as less mischief will be done, and this will often give the 
inflamed disposition time to wear itself out. But this practice 
must not be carried too far. It must be followed with great 
judgment. Nothing debilitates so much as purging, if carried 
beyond a certain point. Even one purging may kill when the 
constitution is much reduced. The internal medicines generally 
ordered for the cure of inflammations are such as have a similar 
effect to that of bleeding ; namely, lowering the constitution or 
the action of the parts. As inflammation has too much action, 
which action gives the idea of strength, such applications as 
weaken are recommended." 

Here, then, are the reasons for the use of poisons to cure dis- 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 205 

eases, as believed and taught by our brethren of the heroic school. 
Such agents and means we do not want, for the plain reason that 
disease can be cured quicker and better without than with them. 
Our system of practice, and that recommended in this work, tends 
to sustain the vital powers during the progress of disease; and 
this is accomplished by resorting to sanative medication. This 
sanative system of medication must, eventually, commend itself to 
the candid and to the unprejudiced reasoner and scientific inquirer 
after truth. 



Strangulation of the Intestines. 

"When an animal becomes the subject of strangulation of the in- 
testines, it is very difficult, at first, to diagnose the case, for the 
symptoms very much resemble those of spasmodic colic; yet as 
the treatment of the two diseases does not differ much, the mistake 
in itself is of little consequence. 

Symptoms. — The difficulty is, at first, accompanied by uneasi- 
ness. The animal moves about in his stall, and commences stamp- 
ing with one of the fore-feet. Frequently he gets down and rolls 
on his back, in which position he will remain sometimes for sev- 
eral minutes. So soon as he rises, he commences to paw and 
stamp with a vengeance. As the disease advances, he totters, and 
sometimes drops on the floor. The pulse is usually irregular, the 
mouth cold, and visible surfaces pallid ; the tongue appears of a 
bluish cast; and the body is generally bedewed with sweat. Fi- 
nally, the animal makes great efforts to evacuate the rectum, and 
in so doing strains violently, so as to cause blood to escape from 
the rectum ; and sometimes the rectum itself protrudes. Should 
the symptoms not improve, the animal soon dies of strangulation 
and mortification of the intestines. 

Treatment. — This must be of an anti-spasmodic character. An 
ounce or two of fluid extract of lobelia should be given, every two 
hours, in a pint of warm water; the body should be enveloped 
in bandages, wet with warm water, and enemas of assafetida or 
lobelia should be thrown into the rectum ; but if the rectum pro- 
trude, enemas are inadmissible. On some occasions of the kind, 
I etherize the patient, with marked relief. 



206 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



Wounds penetrating the Abdominal Cavity. 

The treatment of a penetrating wound into the abdomen will 
depend somewhat upon the nature of the same. Should the intes- 
tines protrude through the wound and exhibit a puncture, put on 
the twitch and Rarey-strap. Then return the intestines into the 
abdominal cavity, and proceed to suture or sew up the intestinal 
rent, by means of a small needle, armed with sewing silk — first, 
by means of sutures through the abdominal muscles, one end of 
the suture being left long enough to hang out of the wound; 
second, close the skin (the sutures should be distant from each 
other about one inch) ; next place a cold water pad on the parts, 
and encircle the body in the injured region with a cotton -roller, 
over which place a surcingle, and securely fasten it. In the event 
of the intestines being swollen and distended, it may be necessary 
to cast the patient ; then roll him on his back, and thus the pro- 
trusion may be returned ; but should they still prove too large for 
the orifice, it must be dilated by means of a probe-pointed knife. 

Splenic Apoplexy. 

Mr. Gamgee has made some translations from foreign authors 
on the subject of Splenic Apoplexy, and he tells us that " this is 
the disease described as carbuncular fever by Renault and Rey- 
nal. It is most common in hot and tempestuous seasons. In its 
carefully-observed symptoms, M. Anginiard is induced to regard 
the disease as dependent on miasmatic exhalation. Until recently, 
the author had studied the malady only in sheep, but has fre- 
quently observed it, of late, in the horse. It is not so suddenly 
fatal in the latter as in the former. The prostration and stupor 
are very striking. The horse can barely stand, and is very list- 
less ; the muscles of the limbs tremble, and partial sweats bedew 
the body. In some parts the skin is dry, and the coat staring ; 
the breathing is slow and irregular; the conjunctiva, or lining 
of the eyelids, is white, and indicative of an anemic or bloodless 
state ; the pulse is feeble, wiry, and accelerated, offering a remark- 
able contrast to the tumultuous action of the heart ; the loins are 
very sensitive; and there are often indications of pain on pres- 
sure on the abdominal walls. Colicky symptoms are frequently 
noticed. At first, all appetite is lost, but, as the disease advances, 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 207 

the animal eats and drinks freely. In attempting to bleed an 
animal, great difficulty is experienced in filling the vein; and 
when the blood flows, the animal instantly manifests great weak- 
ness. The blood is black, and does not coagulate as in health. 
The symptoms rapidly grow worse, the breathing labored, the 
eyes sunken, the prostration extreme, and progression impossible, 
until the animal reels over and dies. The disease runs a rapid 
course, and, on an average, death occurs within fifteen or eight- 
een hours. There is an absence of the external swellings char- 
acteristic of ordinary carbuncular fever ; and the internal disten- 
sions of organs, particularly of the spleen, so ably described by 
Renault and Reynal, are sufficient, according to M. Anginiard, to 
distinguish the two diseases. In the treatment of this disease, 
Anginiard trusts mainly to quinine. He administers a drachm 
and a half as soon as possible, either in an infusion of coffee or 
other aromatic mixture. If the symptoms do not subside two 
hours afterward, two drachms are given. Generally this is. suf- 
ficient. If not, a third and fourth dose have to be exhibited. 
Bleeding is to be condemned. The body of the animal may be 
rubbed with a wisp, or a turpentine liniment may be employed 
as a derivative. Free ventilation, and leaving the animal uncov- 
ered, to permit free exhalation, are essential points in the man- 
agement of these animals. M. Dumesnie has tried this treatment, 
and found it most successful. Anginiard believes in small doses, 
and not often enough repeated." 

Apoplexy is a disease which, if not discovered early, is very 
apt to prove fatal. Whether discovered or not, in its early stage 
it generally baffles the skill of those who, in this country, have 
attempted to cure it. The incurability of such malady may, under 
the circumstances, be accounted for on the belief that it often 
rages as an enzootic, affecting animals in isolated spots, without 
regard to locality, and attacking only those susceptible to its 
influence. "What the conditions are which favor its propagation 
I am unable to determine, for I have known it to affect equally 
those which appeared healthy as well as others unhealthy in ap- 
pearance; hence it is very difficult for any one to point out the 
direct causes of the affection. I have not seen many cases of either 
enlargement of the spleen, or apoplexy of the same, occurring in 
cattle, from the fact that my practice has been mostly confined to 
horses in cities, where cattle were not very numerous ; but a friend 



208 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

of mine, located in a cattle-raising district in the State of Maine, 
informed me that this disease, accompanied by enlargement, often 
prevails there enzootically, and that most of the animals thus 
affected die. I have had considerable experience in the treatment 
of such affections in horses, but, as I have just observed, the result 
is very unsatisfactory. I believe I have but one case of cure on 
record, and the medicines used on that occasion were stimulants 
and tonics, with forty grains of iodide of potass per day. The 
spine was also rubbed, night and morning, with equal parts of 
cod-liver oil and spirits of camphor. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms of enlargement of the spleen in 
horses (they do not differ much in cattle) are as follows: Feeble 
pulse ; respiration not much disturbed ; the tongue is usually 
coated; mouth, hot, and the breath has a feted odor; the mem- 
branes lining the mouth and eyeballs have a slight yellow tinge; 
the head droops, and the tips of the ears and lower parts of the 
limbs are chilly; the patient is rather unwilling to move, and, 
when urged to do so, exhibits a staggering gait, and sometimes falls 
never to rise; the urine is scanty, and, in the last stages, blood 
oozes from the anus and nostrils ; colicky pains attend the disease. 

In a case that terminated fatally, I made the following record 
of the post-mortem examination : On opening the abdominal cav- 
ity, the spleen was found to occupy a very large space. It was 
of immense proportions, and weighed nearly twelve pounds. The 
ordinary weight is three pounds. It presented the appearance 
of a spleen in the chronic stage of disease, being altered in struc- 
ture, of a dark, pitchy color, and surcharged with dark, venous 
blood. Before death, I percussed the left side, in the locality of 
the spleen, and the sound elicited was of a solid character, which 
indicated enlargement of the same. 

The early symptoms of splenic apoplexy do not differ much 
from the above, only they are of a more acute character. In the 
latter stages, the malady is complicated with a painful affection of 
the bowels. The diagnostic symptom of splenic apoplexy, with 
enlargement of the same, is a notable enlargement on the left side 
of the abdomen, well up toward the ribs. When standing behind 
an affected animal, and casting one's eyes carefully along' the 
sides of the abdominal walls, a perceptible eminence will be seen, 
which can not be mistaken. The region of the spleen is between 
the stomach and the false ribs on the left side. 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 209 

In view of rendering this subject more valuable and interesting, 
I now introduce the following, which was written for the " Edin- 
burgh Review:" 

"Splenic Apoplexy. — This disease broke out in the year 1858, 
on a farm characterized by its extreme richness of soil, in the 
north of Northumberland. In 1859 the malady reappeared, and 
did not cease until twenty-three head of cattle had been affected. 
Splenic apoplexy is a malady that has not hitherto been observed 
in the north of Britain, and its occurrence recently is evidently 
to be attributed to the special method of farming and feeding 
stock where it has, for the last two years, proved so destructive. 

The farm is a peculiarly dry one. About three hundred head 
of cattle are annually fattened on it. One lot was made ready 
by Christmas, and sold as fat beef in Newcastle; a second was 
kept back until January, when they were allowed an abundance 
of turnips, meal, and the best oat straw. The cattle affected were 
three years old ; and it would appear that those fed on Swedish 
turnips, especially from a certain field, suffered most; but some 
fed on yellow or white turnips have been affected, and we should 
regard the meal, and perhaps the oat straw, as more likely to pro- 
duce this disorder. According to Delafoud's researches, legum- 
inosa?, or forage very rich in nutritive principles and deficient in 
water, from artificial pastures, are frequent causes of splenic apo- 
plexy. The farmer in Northumberland suspected that the arti- 
ficial manures had produced the trouble, and the following season 
he dressed his land with home manure ; but the properties of the 
last crop have proved as deleterious as those of the preceding one. 
The fact is, the crop had nothing to do with the development of 
the disease. 

The malady stopped suddenly, about the middle of February, 
and this was probably due to the cattle suffering only when the 
system was taxed by change from rather moderate to very high 
feeding. It is an interesting fact that in cows the disorder only 
affects those which are approaching the period when the secretion 
of milk is stopped, and when there is a tendency to lay on flesh, 
they then being liable to plethora. Cows fed on food capable of 
producing splenic apoplexy die of it. 

Change of diet proved of no avail at the farm referred to (show- 
ing very conclusively that the food was not the special cause). 
Common salt was recommended as a preventive; but Delafoud 
14 



210 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

has shown that salt is not a reliable remedy in such cases. The 
malady stopped spontaneously, and the point now to settle is the 
prevention of disease during the future seasons. 

For the benefit of our readers who may not know the symptoms 
of splenic apoplexy, we may mention that often there are premon- 
itory signs — the animals apparently enjoying the best of health 
early in the morning, may be dead some time before noon. Some- 
times there are symptoms of excitement ; the eyes are prominent, 
and the visible mucous membranes are injected or reddened. 
Symptoms of uneasiness suddenly manifest themselves, and col- 
icky pains indicate abdominal disorder. The urine voided is high- 
colored and red, and there may also be blood in the feces. The 
back becomes arched, and the animal fixes himself, hanging on to 
any thing by which he is tied, or he will press his haunches on 
some resting-place in the corner of the stall. After this the ani- 
mal soon drops, and is seized with convulsive pains and twitchings. 
In addition to the discharge of feces and urine, tinged with blood, 
there is a red, frothy liquid, which escapes from the nostrils ; the 
animal bellows, moans, and soon dies." 

Treatment. — Tonics, alteratives, and glandular stimulants are 
indicated. Take of 

No. 24. Fluid extract of blood-root 4 oz. 

Fluid extract of golden sea.l 6 oz. 

Chlorate of potass 4 oz. 

Dissolve the potass in one pint of boiling water ; then add the 
extracts. Give the patient a wine-glassful every six hours, until 
amendment is perceptible, when the dose may be decreased to two 
ounces every twelve hours. Rub the body with a portion of the 
following : 

No. 25. Proof spirits 1 pint. 

Tincture of capsicum 4 oz. 

Two or three applications, in the course of twenty-four hours, 
will suffice. Should the animal suffer much from colicky pains, 
dissolve one ounce of hyposulphite of soda in four ounces of hot 
water, to which add half a table-spoonful of powdered ginger, 
and drench with the same. Pure air and a light diet will aid in 
restoring the animal, provided the case is curable. 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 211 

Functional Disease of the Liver. 

The liver, like other parts of the digestive apparatus, is liable 
to become deranged, in either function or structure, by errors in 
diet, which is the most potent cause of both functional and or- 
ganic disease of the same. In almost all cases of liver disease, 
we observe a yellow tinge of the visible surfaces — membranes of 
the eye and mouth. In order to account for the yellow tinge, we 
must bear in mind that bile is formed in the blood ; that the office 
of the liver is to absorb or withdraw it from the circulation con- 
stantly, as fast as it is formed. Disease of the liver, simulating 
jaundice, manifests itself whenever the due separation of the bile 
from the blood is not accomplished ; hence the accumulated bile 
seeks other outlets, namely, the kidneys and intestines, and ex- 
cretory gland of the skin. 

When animals become jaundiced suddenly, we may infer that 
the difficulty, whatever it may be, in the liver, is of an acute 
character ; that is to say, it is recent in origin and active in form. 
Jaundice is a phenomenon of several diseases peculiar to horses. 
During the progress of the epizootic known as influenza, a jaun- 
diced state of the visible surfaces is always present, which disap- 
pears when the patient convalesces, showing that the liver is only 
functionally deranged. When jaundice accompanies indigestion, 
and disappears under the action of alteratives or changes in diet, 
we may also infer that, if not absolutely functional, it is, at least, 
not purely inflammatory. 

It is plain, therefore, that jaundice is of but little consequence 
in prognosis, since the symptoms with which it is often associated 
declare, much more positively than itself, the gravity of the affection 
in which it occurs as a symptom. It sometimes happens, however, 
that the function of the liver becomes suddenly interrupted, causing 
pain, after the fashion of what accompanies the bilious colic of man. 

The following case will probably give the reader some idea of 
the nature of acute functional disorder of the liver. The patient, 
a gray gelding, aged nine years, was suddenly attacked with symp- 
toms of colicky pains, for the relief of which the owner had given 
a colic drench, which seemed to afford temporary ease; but soon 
the symptoms reappeared, the animal got down, and seemed to be 
the subject of acute pain. Under these circumstances, the owner 
sent for me. 



212 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Symptoms. — On arriving at the stable, I found the patient stand- 
ing, his head somewhat pendulous, appearing dull and sleepy. The 
membranes within the eyelids and mouth were of a bright yellow 
tinge ; pulse, rather feeble ; bowels, constipated ; in short, the usual 
appearances attending functional derangement of the liver were 
present ; yet the " key-note," or diagnostic symptom, was the bright 
yellow tinge of the visible surfaces. 

Treatment. — The following drench was given : 

No. 26. Fluid extract of mandrake 3 oz. 

Fluid extract of golden seal 1 oz. 

Carbonate of soda 2 dr. 

Water 1 pint. 

An injection of soap-suds was thrown into the rectum, which 
brought away a small quantity of hardened, dark-colored excrement. 
Next day I found the patient in about the same condition, and re- 
peated the dose of medicine and injection. In the course of a few 
hours the bowels responded, evacuating a large quantity of semi- 
fluid, dark-colored feces, mixed with a substance resembling shreds 
of albumen. Next day the animal appeared much better. I then 
gave two ounces of fluid extract of golden seal, and one drachm 
of hyposulphite of soda, and thus ended the treatment. 

This case is an illustration of a simple mode of treatment far 
superior to the old-fashioned system, which contemplates strong 
doses of aloes and calomel, agents which usually intensify the 
morbid phenomena, often producing a medicinal affection, which 
requires much time for the animal to recover from. It is the 
author's opinion that a vast number of very fine animals in these 
United States die from the heroic system of practice, which over- 
looks the best means of aid presented by the resources of mild 
and sanative medication. 

We have long been an advocate of the physiological method 
of treating disease, and we contend that is more philosophical, 
safe, and the surest means of restoring an equilibrium of vital 
action in the animal economy, in all forms of morbid conditions; 
and we earnestly entreat our readers to exercise great faith in the 
powers of Nature to aid and assist in the cure of all maladies, 
and place less reliance in the power of art. 

In view of strengthening the faith of young converts to sana- 
tive medication, we quote the language of Sir John Forbes, a 
man of undoubted authority. 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 213 

" Such has ever been the want of trust in Nature, and the over- 
trust in art, prevalent among the members of the medical profes- 
sion, that the field of natural observation has been, to a great extent, 
hidden from them — hidden either actually from their eyes or vir- 
tually from their apprehension. The constant interference of art, 
in the form of medical treatment, with the normal processes of 
disease, has not only had the frequent effect of disturbing them in 
reality, but, when it failed to do so, has created the belief that it 
did so, leading, in either case, to an inference equally wrong — the 
false picture, in the one instance, being supposed to be true ; the 
true picture, in the other, being supposed to be false." 

In all cases of liver disease, it is good policy to change the diet, 
and offer the animal green vegetables — sliced carrots, and grass 
if it can be had. In all cases of chronic disease of the liver, a 
run at grass is the most potent remedy for the cure of the same. 

It was formerly supposed that the function of the liver was 
merely to eliminate bile, but modern physiologists have discovered 
that the blood itself is changed while circulating through that 
gland, which elaborates fibrine from albumen, and fat from sugar. 
The liver stores up fatty matter, so that, should the food be deficient 
in fat, the liver yields up what it contains. It is very curious to 
notice the peculiarity in the circulation of the liver. It is supplied, 
like other organs, with arterial blood for its own support ; and it 
also receives an immense quantity of venous blood through veins 
commencing on the gastro-intestinal cavity, which terminate in a 
vessel named vena porta. This vessel, on entering the liver, ram- 
ifies in various directions, like an artery, and ultimately terminates 
in the veins peculiar to the liver ; so that the blood, instead of flowing 
directly from the stomach and intestines, is made to circulate through 
the liver, and thus the various transformations are effected. The 
liver must, therefore, perform the double function of secretion and 
excretion. It secretes bile, and excretes carbon and hydrogen from 
the system. Should an animal labor under diseased lungs, he may, 
under proper medical treatment, recover, provided the liver be 
healthy. This organ can, for a time, eliminate carbon and hydro- 
gen ; but, instead of passing off as they do from the lungs, in the 
form of carbonic acid, they accumulate in the liver, in the form 
of fat, or else the liver increases to an extraordinary size. In 
Strasburg they prepare a favorite dish from the livers of geese, 
artificially enlarged by the cruel process of depriving them of 



214 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

light and liberty, confining them in a warm room, and stuffing 
them with food. We find that, under such barbarous management, 
there is a disproportion between the oxygen respired and the car- 
bon taken in the form of food. The respiration which active ex- 
ercise increases and rest diminishes are, now that the animal is 
confined, slow and uniform. The lungs fail in eliminating car- 
bonic acid, and hence carbon and hydrogen are driven back to the 
liver by means of venous circulation. An excess of carbonaceous 
material in the liver is liable to result in jaundice, which is a simple 
functional derangement of that organ. It occurs generally in the 
warm months, and is usually sudden in its attack. 

Among the most prominent symptoms are high-colored urine, 
yellow tinge of the visible surfaces, languid pulse, and slow action. 
If the liver be the seat of inflammatory action, the pulse will be 
quick and bounding, respiration hurried, the patient feverish, and 
pressure over the region of the liver elicits symptoms of pain. 
If simple functional derangement exists unchecked for any length 
of time, it leads to organic lesions and structural disease. When 
the bile accumulates, it is very apt to thicken and produce gall- 
stones or calculi ; if these accumulate in the gall ducts, the subject, 
unless relieved, soon dies. 

Diseases of the liver have hitherto been considered the bane of 
tropical climates, but they are equally prevalent in cold and moist 
regions. Horses and men are as frequently attacked with it in 
northern as in southern latitudes. The celebrated sheep-breeder, 
Bakewell, knew that early disturbance of the liver led to the ac- 
cumulation of fat, and, in order to derange the liver, he was in 
the habit of folding his sheep in wet pastures. Now, the English 
agriculturists are well acquainted with the fact that water mea- 
dows have a tendency to produce that almost incurable disease 
termed rot. Hot originates from a diseased liver, and, in the 
early stages of it, the animal accumulates fat very fast ; so that 
by rotting sheep he was able to bring fat ones early to market, and 
thus steal a march on his more conscientious neighbors. This 
state of the liver termed rot is associated with the existence 
of parasites termed distoma hepatieum, commonly denominated 
flukes, and these parasites are considered the cause of rot, when, 
in fact, they are the results of deranged functions of the liver. 
The rot, therefore, is not local. It can be produced in any coun- 
try by exposing animals to the debilitating effects of moisture and 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 215 

neglect. It is not only prevalent in England, but also in Asia, 
Africa, and America. In Egypt, on the receding of the Nile, it 
spreads to a fearful extent. In warm climates the livers of men 
and animals become diseased, not so much from local causes as 
from stimulating drinks and diet. If a man attempts to consume 
the same amount of food in warm that he has been accustomed to 
in cold climates, he is apt to become bilious, and this is a pre- 
monitory indication of perverted function of the liver. A very 
important fact has lately been discovered in reference to the func- 
tion of the liver. A French chemist has ascertained that one 
function of the liver was to produce sugar out of the animal or- 
ganism. This is the secret of the formation of the fat. Chem- 
ically speaking, sugar and fat are nearly allied, the chief difference 
being that one contains a small portion of oxygen. 

Many valuable animals are lost from organic disease of the 
liver, the origin of which may, in many cases that have come to 
our knowledge, be traced to simple functional derangement, which 
has existed for some time. Its symptoms are either unobserved 
or, if perceived, disregarded. Some of the subjects that have been 
put under our care for the treatment of diseased liver had a strong 
predisposition for the malady, their color being black and tem- 
perament bilious. Such horses are the ones that require special 
attention whenever they appear to be " ailing." It is remarkable 
to observe, however, that many horses of a temperament diverse 
from the bilious are often attacked with organic and functional 
derangement of the liver, and this peculiarity can only be ac- 
counted for on the ground that the horse has no gall-bladder — 
no receptacle, such as is found in cattle, for the accumulation of 
bile ; consequently, the horse's liver must be an active organ, 
especially when the animal is permitted to make but one meal per 
day, and that meal occupies a period from sunrise to sunset, and 
daily and weekly continues to occupy no less time. The conse- 
quence is, the organ is overworked, and is the seat of local ex- 
haustion. The liver requires regular periods of rest to recover 
from fatigue or functional duty, yet how is it possible to secure 
the same when a horse is permitted to make a perpetual hay-rack 
and corn-bin of his stomach ? The herculean feat of converting 
a hay -stack and corn granary into bone, muscle, and nerve at the 
rate of 2.40 is beyond the physiological capacity of any vital 
organ; therefore, in the language of the sailor, the vessel sinks 



216 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

from local inundation — the liver caves in from overwork, too much 
food, and too little discretion. A hard pull on an omnibus, or a 
similar feat in a marketer's wagon, would be the very best medi- 
cine in the world for a plethoric horse, or one predisposed to 
hepatic derangement. 

The Pancreas and its Function. 

The pancreas is a glandular body lying across the spine, in the 
epigastric region, underneath the diaphragm, near the small curv- 
ature of the stomach. The body of this gland is pierced by the 
vena porta (known as the gate rein) ; has one attachment to the 
spleen, and another to the left kidney. It is divided into head, 
body, and tail. Structure, similar to salivary glands. Color, 
pale red, speckled. It is composed of many lobules. Every lobe 
has a distinct set of nerves, arteries, veins, and ducts. Every lobe 
is, therefore, considered as a distinct gland, and the same is true 
of the salivary glands. The duct pierces the duodenum (known 
as the second stomach), alongside of the hepatic duct. 

The pancreatic arteries are derived mostly 1 from the hepatic. 
Several, however, come from the splenic, in its course to the left 
side of the abdomen, and one or two from the gastric. The veins 
are tributary to the vena porta. The nerves come from the cceliac 
plexus. The fluid secreted by the pancreas is a colorless, limpid 
fluid. It forms an emulsion of fat ; hence it dissolves the fatty 
matters of the food. It is an active agent in the preparation of 
chyle. That the pancreatic juice possesses the property of emul- 
sifying fat is proved from the fact that when the pancreas is 
destroyed, and the animal fed on food containing fatty matter, the 
latter passes with the feces,Just like fat in an unchanged state. 

Mr. Gamgee says: "The pancreatic juice has another impor- 
tant use which remains to be spoken of, and that is a peculiar 
action on nitrogenized substances. If raw meat be placed in 
some of the juice, the meat speedily softens and putrefies. The 
same occurs with albumen or caseine in the raw state ; but if the 
azotized principles are previously boiled, or acted upon by the 
gastric juice, the pancreatic therefore serves many purposes, and 
acts on every kind of aliment. 

Circumstances affecting the digestive function in general have a 
special influence on the pancreas, and modify its secretion. Such 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 217 

is not the case "with the salivary glands and their products. The 
pancreatic juice may, like every other secretion, be found to con- 
tain adventitious substances that have accidentally entered the 
blood. Thus, iodide of potassium may be eliminated from the 
system by the pancreas. It is not so with every salt, the prussiate 
of potash, for example, never being seen in the pancreatic juice. 

The pancreatic secretion is formed during infra-uterine life, but 
we are at a loss to account for its uses there. It is difficult to de- 
termine what nervous influences affects its production. A dose of 
ether excites it, and pressure on the abdominal viscera likewise 
tends to its increase ; the efforts of vomiting stop it." ' 

On Parasites which infest the Intestinal Canal. 

There are various forms of parasites which infest the alimentary 
canal of horses and cattle which, no doubt, are the cause of some 
annoyance to the infested ; but really they are not, at all times, so 
injurious as some writers make them out to be. They are rarely 
if ever found in the intestines of healthy animals, and their pres- 
ence is generally due to a deranged condition of the digestive 
organs. They very frequently originate spontaneously. 

"Certain independent organisms, both vegetable and animal, 
are found in the body. The vegetable growths are all microscopic, 
and belong to the lowest order of plants, the algae and fungi. 
They are never met with except upon cutaneous or mucous sur- 
faces, nor while these surfaces remain healthy, usually. A secre- 
tion of fibrine or mucus, undergoing decomposition, forms the soil 
in which they grow. In some cases, they are believed to be the 
media of contagion. 

Animal parasites are very numerous. Many of them are in- 
fusorial. Many belong to the class of insects and mites, as fleas, 
lice, bugs, and the acari, of which the most important one is the 
itch-mite. A class of higher consequence comprises several sorts 
of worms. Those which infest the intestinal canal are extremely 
common, and are the oxguris vermieularis, or thread-worm, which 
inhabits the rectum ; the trichocephalus dispar, or long thread- 
worm, which is found in the large intestine, and especially in the 
caecum ; the ascares lumbrieoedes, or round worm, whose ordinary 
residence is the small intestine; the tape-worm, or taenia, which 
also affects the same part. The kidney is occasionally the seat of 



218 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

a round worm, called ths strongylus gigas, measuring from five 
inches to three feet in length, and from two to six lines in thick- 
ness. 

The diseases with which even large intestinal worms are con- 
nected appear to be sometimes the cause and sometimes the effect 
of the presence of these parasites. Very often they exist in con- 
siderable numbers without producing the least disturbance of the 
economy, but in other cases they are unquestionably the cause of 
much suffering and ill-health. How far they are themselves the 
result of a morbid state of the organs in which they appear is 
still an undecided question. 

The origin of parasites is extremely obscure, and has long been 
a mooted point among naturalists. It may not be inappropriate 
to present a summary of the opinions which are entertained respect- 
ing a subject of so much interest, but, in doing so, we shall confine 
our remarks to the parasitic animals which inhabit the interior of 
the body, or entozoa. 

It is evident that these animals must originate in one of two 
ways ; that they must be derived directly or indirectly from with- 
out, or be created out of materials existing within, and furnished 
by, the body. No other supposition is possible. If an entozoon 
is in any manner derived from without, it must be admitted that 
this takes place either through the reception of the animal itself 
or of its ova. If either opinion be assumed, it follows that the 
parent animal must exist somewhere external to the body. But 
the parasites in question have never, in any case whatever, been 
detected except within the organism. If it is objected that many 
of these animals are so minute that they might easily elude dis- 
covery in the elements around us, the argument fails when applied 
to the giant strongylus, the stout lumbricoid worm, and the taenia, 
measuring many yards in length. Besides, even admitting for a 
moment the possibility of the parasites which inhabit the intes- 
tine, and other mucous cavities, having once existed externally, 
the insuperable difficulty still remains of explaining the entrance 
of entozoa into shut cavities and parenchymatous structures — into 
the eye, or the muscles, for example, and their presence in the 
unborn child, and even in the bodies of larger entozoa of a differ- 
ent species. On the other hand, if it is maintained that the ova 
are alone received, it must still be shown that the ova exist exter- 
nal to the body, which has never been done. Nor would the 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 219 

admission of this explanation be sufficient ; for many of the entozoa 
are not propagated by eggs, but belong to the viviparous class, 
so that in regard to them the difficulty remains undiminished. 
But granting the existence of ova without, and their reception into 
the body, it is still impossible to explain the development from 
them of the animals found in the parenchyma, in the embryo, etc., 
without, at the same time, admitting that the ova are not only 
carried to these localities through the blood-vessels, but actually 
pass through the walls of the capillaries. Such an admission 
would be a physiological absurdity; for the extreme vessels will 
allow of the passage of a single blood-globule at a time, and no 
more, and will not permit any denser fluid than the plasma of the 
blood to permeate their walls. How, then, could they afford a 
passage in any manner to ova, the least of which is ten times as 
large as a blood globule? 

If the hypothesis now presented is untenable, it only remains 
to adopt the alternative one, to-wit : that entozoa are generated or 
created anew out of the materials or the products of the living 
organism. It may be urged affirmatively, in support of this doc- 
trine, that each organ possesses its own entozoa — the kidney, a 
species different from those of the intestine, which are, again, un- 
lit: e the parasites of the liver. Even more : the several parts of 
the same organ generate dissimilar animals. The small intestine 
produces the round and the tape-worms ; the large intestine, the 
two species of thread- worms. These facts seem to show that some 
extremely local concurrence of circumstances is essential to the 
production of the several entozoa. It may also be argued, and we 
think the argument unanswerable, that if spermatic animalcules, 
which exist in the testicle, are there spontaneously generated, no 
violence is done to probability in supposing parasitic animals to 
be produced in the same manner. It will hardly be denied that 
spermatozoa are literally evolved from the constituents of the 
semen ; but it is objected to the doctrine of spontaneous generation 
that it i§ against analogy, which every-where supports the famous 
dogma, omne vivum ex ovo. This objection is a mere begging of 
the question. The decision of the case in hand involves the truth 
of the theory just quoted, and, as we believe, must be allowed to 
show that this theory is not absolutely universal in its application. 
Other facts, also, among which are the following, tend to invali- 
date it. Nothing can be more certain than that all organized 



220 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

beings were, at some time or other, created. Geology proves that 
successive genera and species have been thus created, at long in- 
tervals apart ; and the history of disease renders it probable that 
one affection, at least (syphilis), which is only propagated by direct 
descent, ex ovo, as it were, is really of comparatively recent origin. 

In conclusion, after the review of the preceding outline of an 
argument upon the generation of parasitic entozoa, we feel obliged 
to admit that the weight of facts and probabilities is wholly on 
the side of the doctrine of spontaneous generation. At the same 
time, we can not but look with interest to the results of future 
observations in this field, nor altogether suppress the hope that 
the simple law of Nature, omne vivum ex ovo, may even yet be 
found to embrace the classes which now appear to form so striking 
an exception to its provisions."* 

Symptoms. — The usual symptoms indicating the presence of 
worms in the intestinal canal are, sometimes, a scurfy, yellow mu- 
cous accumulation around the margin of the anus ; the appetite 
is not uniform ; the bowels are irregular, sometimes loose, and 
sometimes constipated ; and the feces are often shrouded with 
shreds of mucus, of a yellow color. When ascarides are present 
(located in the rectum), the horse is much inclined to rub his tail 
against any post or fence he can get at, and he employs himself 
at such feats against the sides of the stall, in view, probably, of 
allaying the intolerable itching which usually attends the presence 
of these parasites. 

The lumbrici, or round worms, sometimes exist in the intes- 
tines in great numbers. They are then apt to be hurtful. In 
such cases, the coat looks unthrifty, and the hair has lost its na- 
tural glossiness, and appears rough to the sense of touch. It has 
been noticed, also, that when horses are afflicted with intestinal 
parasites, their breath gives out a fetid odor, and they have a sort 
of dry, hacking cough. It is well known, however, that some 
horses, enjoying, apparently, the very best kind of health, are often 
the subjects of worms. 

Treatment. — Most of the remedies recommended in the ancient 
works on farriery are just about as likely to kill the horse as the 
parasites, and consequently are, to say the least, unsafe. The true 
theory is this : worms are the result of indigestion ; hence our 

*Stille's "Elements of Pathology." 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 221 

object, by way of prevention, is to give tone to the digestive or- 
gans ; and soon after the worms have congregated in the intestinal 
canal, bitter tonics and alteratives are obnoxious to them. They 
then die, are digested, and pass from the anus as fecal matter. 

Suppose we give the infested horse powerful purges, tartar 
emetic, calomel, turpentine, etc., as the books recommend. We 
may succeed in their expulsion, but that does not mend the mat- 
ter; for the agents just named are all more or less prostrating, 
and create a worse state of digestive derangement than that which 
previously existed, and soon, by virtue of spontaneous generation, 
a new crop of parasites make their appearance. 

When a horse shows any of the symptoms here alluded to, in- 
dicating indigestion, or the actual presence of worms, I recommend 
that an occasional dose of the following be given : 

No. 27. Powdered poplar bark (populus tremuloides). ~) 

Powdered sulphur > equal parts. 

Powdered salt J 

Mix. 

Dose, one table-spoonful, to be mixed with bran or oats. 

EXAMPLES OF VERMIFUGES. 

No. 1. — Fluid extract of wormwood, four drachms; to be given 
in the morning, before feeding time, for several successive days. 

No. 2. — Give one ounce of fluid extract of pink-root, every 
morning, before feeding, for a week. 

A GOOD REMEDY FOR THE TAPE-"WORM. 

Give four drachms of the solid extract of male fern (aspidium 
felix mas) every other morning, during a period of about ten days. 
This is said to be a specific for tape-worm. 

Finally, as regards the treatment of worms, Nature has endowed 
these parasites with such tenacity of life, that no matters known 
to us will effect their destruction, though a few may answer the 
purpose of their expulsion. Bots are so hardy as apparently to 
survive immersion in oil, in alcohol, spirits of turpentine, and 
even powerful solutions of mineral acids. The continued use of 
salt, mixed with the food, appears, however, obnoxious to them ; 
for sometimes, under its use, their hold gives way, and they are 
ejected. Bitters, purgatives, and the mechanical irritation of 



222 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

pointed bodies, as pewter, tin, etc., have no effect whatever upon 
bots ; but with regard to the other parasites, rather more success 
may be expected from medical aid, in the form of vermifuges. 
It has been attempted to effect the removal of worms mechan- 
ically, by dissolving the mucus they are supposed to be imbedded 
in, for which purpose lime-water, oil, solutions of aloes, etc., have 
been injected by clyster up the rectum, and which practice is most 
to be depended on for the ejection of ascarides when in the rectum. 
This practice of washing away the mucus of the intestine, and 
thus to deprive the intestine of the secretion given for its protec- 
tion, is not to be recommended, though oil, for this end, would be 
harmless. Strong purges are given with the same intent, which 
may remove them also from the whole alimentary track. Reme- 
dies have likewise been exhibited to destroy them within the 
body, by the mechanical irritation of their spiculi, under which 
view tin, brass, iron, and pewter are thought remedial. The In- 
dian caustic barley and Indian pink are reputed vermifuges 
against the teres and ascaris. The oil of turpentine has also been 
strongly recommended as an excellent general vermifuge; but, 
except for the destruction of the taenia, or tape-worm, it certainly 
does not appear to deserve that character."* 

* "Blaine's Outlines." 




SECTION VIII. 

DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. 

Inflammation of the Kidneys — Inflammation of the Bladder — Stone in the 
Bladder — Suppression of the Urine — Retention of the Urine — Diabetes, 
or Profuse Stalling — Rupture of the Bladder — Albuminous Urine — 
Hematuria, or Bloody Urine. 

Inflammation of the Kidneys (Nephritis). 

A NEPHRITIC affection is often mistaken for what some 
persons term "sprain across the kidneys" (lumbar sprain). 
It is a mistake of some importance, from the fact that when sprain . 
or strain is suspected, people are apt to resort to the use of irri- 
tating embrocations or liniments, which may do much harm, as 
their action is to augment heat and pain, which, in case of ne- 
phritis, is to be avoided. 

Symptoms. — Hard and accelerated pulse ; quickened respiration, 
indicative of pain; back, arched; legs, straddling; the head is 
often turned toward the loins, or region of pain ; the animal is 
unwilling to describe a circle with its body, and, while the acute 
stage lasts, scarcely if ever gets down on the floor; the urine is 
reddened and scanty ; finally, the animal crouches when pressure 
is made over the region of the loins, and, as is the case in all acute 
affections, thirst and loss of appetite are observable. 

Treatment. — The treatment of nephritis, in the acute or inflam- 
matory stage, is just such as would be proper supposing the case 
to be one of enteritis, or peritonitis. Twenty or forty drops of 
fluid extract of gelseminum may be placed on the tongue two or 
three times, at intervals of four hours; fomentations of hops or 
poppy-heads (warm) should be applied to the loins, and occa- 
sional enemas of warm water may be thrown into the rectum. 
The drink should consist of what is known as flaxseed or slippery- 

(223) 



224 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

elm tea. Soon the inflammatory symptoms will subside, the patient 
will manifest some relief from pain, and the color of the urine will 
change, become lighter and thicker in consistence. We then dis- 
continue the above treatment, and administer one ounce of fluid 
extract of buchu, morning and evening. This treatment, aided by 
rest and good nursing, usually completes the cure. 

Should it be suspected that the animal has a fit of pain, caused 
by the "gravel," or passage or presence of urinary calculi, then 
two drachms of muriatic acid should be mixed in the ordinary 
drink, every time the animal is watered. He should also have a 
small quantity of powdered slippery-elm or flaxseed mixed with 
the food. Horses the subjects of urinary calculi pass urine which, 
on being caught in an earthen vessel, deposits phosphates and other 
earthy matter. When this occurs, and the animal has a fit of pain 
or gravel, we may infer, in the absence of more positive proof, that 
urinary calculi are present in some portion of the urinary apparatus. 

Inflammation of the Bladdee (Cystitis). 

The principal symptom of inflammation of the bladder is fre- 
quent urination, accompanied by straining and pain. Sometimes 
the urine dribbles away, involuntarily or not, as the case may be. 
It appears that the least distension of the bladder causes pain; 
hence the eifort to keep it empty. The urine is usually high- 
colored, or, rather, of a dull red color. The animal stands with 
his hind limbs widely separated. The treatment is precisely the 
same as that just recommended for inflammation of the kidneys. 

Stone in the Bladdee. 

One very remarkable symptom attending the presence of calcu- 
lus, or stone in the bladder, is, that after the urine is voided there 
comes a painful sensation, which causes the horse to groan. This 
is caused by the walls of the bladder coming forcibly in contact 
with the calculus, which is now a foreign body. Occasionally the 
horse is urinating a full stream, when, all at once, the stream is 
suddenly arrested, the animal still straining until urination again 
commences. This is a pretty sure sign of stone in the bladder. 
Stones that have been taken from the bladder, after death, present 
a highly-polished surface ; hence they do not produce that amount 



DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. 225 

of irritation which proceeds from intestinal calculi, the surfaces of 
which are always rough. 

Mr. Youatt says that " the symptoms of stone in the bladder 
much resemble those of spasmodic colic, except that, on careful 
inquiry, it will be found that there has been much irregularity in 
the discharge of urine, and occasional suppression of it. When 
fits of apparent colic frequently return, and are accompanied by 
any peculiarity in the appearance or the discharge of the urine, the 
horse should be carefully examined. For this purpose, he must 
be thrown. If there is stone in the bladder, it will, while the 
horse lies on his back, press on the rectum. Several cases have 
lately occurred of successful extraction of the calculus, but to 
effect this it is always necessary to have recourse to the aid of a 
veterinary practitioner." 

It is not necessary to cast the horse in view of ascertaining the 
presence of calculus. The hand can be introduced into the rectum 
while the horse is standing. The rectum should, however, first be 
evacuated by enemas of warm water. But we have a better plan 
than this. A sound or jointed catheter has been invented, which, 
when passed into the bladder, determines, by percussion, the pres- 
ence of calculi. The operation of lithotomy can only be performed 
by one skilled in the science ; yet the reader may desire to know 
something about the mode of performing it ; therefore I introduce 
a case of the kind, which occurred in the practice of Mr. Field. 
The following is the case : 

"The animal was cast, in the usual manner, and both hind 
legs were drawn to the shoulders, as if for castration. Read's new 
flexible catheter being passed into the bladder, a quantity of warm 
water was injected sufficient to distend that organ and the urethra 
moderately. The catheter being withdrawn, and holding the penis 
with the left hand, a slightly-curved grooved staff, two feet long, 
was introduced, so as for the curved part to come into the subanal 
portion of the urethra, above the posterior edge of the ischium, 
extending toward the sphincter ani. An assistant, kneeling on 
the left side of the horse, drew the penis forward with his left 
hand, and gently pushed the staff backward with the right, at the 
same time keeping the groove exactly beneath the raphe. This 
elevated the portion of the urethra to be incised. I then made an 
incision, a line from and on the right side of the raphe, through 
the skin and fascia, extending the length of from three to four 
15 



226 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

inches; and, pushing the penis a little on one side, I gradually 
divided the muscular and spongy portion, and exposed the mucous 
membrane of the urethra, when the finger readily detected the 
groove of the staff, into which a small incision was made sufficient 
to admit the bistoire cachee, following which with the index finger 
of the left hand, the membrane was divided to the rectum. Very 
little blood flowed, and the water of the urethra gushed out. The 
staff being removed, I easily introduced the small forceps through 
the urethra into the bladder, and grasped the stone, a portion of 
which flaked off. The large forceps were then employed, and, 
my brother holding the handles, I directed the blades upon the 
stone, my left hand being in the rectum. Having placed the 
stone in a proper position, I grasped it with the forceps, and, with 
both hands, gave it a half-turn, so as to place its widest axis be- 
tween the pubis and rectum; and thus, with a moderate force, I 
gradually and evenly drew it out, the neck of the bladder readily 
dilating. Two stitches were inserted in that part of the incision 
nearest the anus, the lower part being left to itself." 

Suppression of Urine. 

Suppression of urine signifies that condition in which no urine 
is either secreted or voided. The affection is due to either func- 
tional or organic disease of the kidneys, or it is an accompaniment 
of various forms of disease, and, in such cases, is termed functional. 
For example, I lately treated a horse the subject of jaundice; 
he did not pass a drop of urine for two days. I inferred that 
the kidneys were inactive, and did not secrete urine, therefore he 
had none to pass ; but after this period, a slight improvement in 
the disease (jaundice) having taken place, he urinated, yet at first 
only in small quantities. 

When the affection comes on periodically, it indicates organic 
disease of the kidneys, and, finally, is apt to prove fatal. Wat- 
son says " that if no urine be separated from the blood, coma 
soon supervenes, and death. It is believed that these conse- 
quences result from the detention of urea in the system. Urea is 
a mere excrement, which, in health, is removed from the blood 
by the kidneys as fast as it enters that fluid. When it is not so 
carried off, it accumulates in the blood, circulates with it to every 
part of the body, and acts as a poison, especially upon the brain. 



DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. 227 

To render it thus poisonous, however, its decomposition in the 
blood appears to be requisite. 

This is one of the numerous instances showing that the carry- 
ing fluid of the body may become the vehicle of disease and death, 
if it be not duly purged of deleterious matters which pertain to 
the unceasing processes of organic life. If carbonic acid be not 
extricated by the lungs, the animal functions are as certainly and 
almost as speedily extinguished by that gas as the flame of a taper 
might be, and we know that when the outlet of the liver is shut 
up, when the blood is not pumped from the excrementitious bile 
the powers of animal life are weakened and sometimes utterly 
and rapidly destroyed." 

Frequent complaints are made to me, by horsemen, that their 
horses do not urinate sufficiently, and I am requested to furnish 
diuretics. I usually advise the former not to feel alarmed, for 
Nature regulates these matters, and, in time, all will be well ; pro- 
vided, however, good food is furnished, and proper care is taken 
of the animal. The subject being one of importance, both as 
regards man and horse, I here introduce the following article 
from Watson's " Lectures : " 

" Suppression of urine, for a considerable time, is not, however, 
necessarily and universally fatal. Patients laboring under the 
epidemic cholera would secrete not a drop of water for some days, 
and yet recover. It was remarkable how entirely free such patients 
were from any approach toward coma. Was the urea here drained 
off from the blood in the enormous and unnatural flux from the 
stomach and bowels? I think it probably was; but chemical 
search has not detected that substance in the fluids so effused. 
Schmidt thinks, indeed, that it would be found but for its rapid 
decomposition into carbonate of ammonia. There are, however, 
some very singular instances on record of persons who have passed 
days and even weeks without secreting urine, and without show- 
ing any other indication of impaired health. What degree of 
credit such narratives deserve I do not know ; but assuming that 
there was neither fraud nor mistake, it may be suspected that 
either the natural secretion was compensated by some vicarious 
or supplemental discharge, or that a small quantity of urine was 
actually separated by the kidneys. ' If any water, however small 
the quantity,' remarks Sir Henry Halford, 'had been made in 
these cases, I should have thought it possible that the patient 



228 „ DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

might have recovered ; for it has often surprised me to observe 
how small has been the measure of that excrementitious fluid 
which the frame has sometimes thrown off, and yet preserved 
itself harmless. But the cessation of the excretion altogether is 
universally a fatal symptom in my experience, being followed by 
oppression on the brain.' The same eminent physician states that 
in three of his five cases there was observed a remarkably strong 
urinous smell in the perspiration for twenty-four hours before 
death. This I believe is of common occurrence in such cases. 
Other patients have vomited, or passed by the bowels, watery 
matters possessing some of the sensible qualities of urine ; and a 
urinous fluid is said to have been found in the ventricles of the 
brain in some of the fatal cases. 

I have spoken of suppression of urine as a malady, though it 
probably is never any thing more than a symptom ; yet it is one 
of those symptoms which, from our uncertainty respecting their 
origin and determining cause, we are obliged to treat and to study 
as if they were substantive diseases. In the only well-marked 
instance that I have seen of suppression of urine coming on in 'an 
apparently healthy person, some blood had appeared in the urine 
for a day or two before the secretion was totally suspended, and 
the kidneys were found gorged with blood. Extreme congestion 
or inflammation of the substance of the gland is probably at the 
bottom of many of these cases. The same train of symptoms 
supervenes not unfrequently upon organic renal disease. They 
happen, too, sometimes, when the ureters become impervious from 
disease, or from impacted gravel. In this condition urine con- 
tinues to be secreted, for a time at least, and distends the ureter 
behind the seat of the obstruction. The apoplectic state which 
ensues may arise from a reabsorption of the secreted fluid ; or, in 
consequence of the obstacle, the secretion itself, after going to a 
certain point, may stop, and then the case becomes a case of sup- 
pression." 

Treatment. — Persons desirous of administering medicine for the 
treatment of this affection, are advised to give half an ounce of 
powdered chlorate of potass, dissolved in the drink, every night, 
and half an ounce of fluid extract of buchu every morning. 



DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. 229 

Retention of Urine. 

Retention and suppression of urine are terms very often con- 
founded with each other. We have just shown what is meant by 
suppression, and now it remains for us to understand the true na- 
ture of retention. Retention signifies an undue delay of natural 
discharges. The secretion of urine may be active as ever, yet the 
animal has not the power to void it. The bladder soon becomes 
distended beyond its physiological capacity. Its muscular fibers 
are overstretched, and thus have not' the power to contract again 
until the fluid is evacuated by means of the catheter; hence the 
treatment of such a case as this pertains more to the art of sur- 
gery than that of medicine. 

Treatment. — In most of these cases we find the neck of the blad- 
der spasmodically contracted. The spasm may be either primary 
or it may accompany spasmodic colic, which is often the case. In 
fact some animals, when suffering from retention of urine, act just 
as if they had colic; hence it is, in such cases, highly necessary 
that the bladder be examined by introducing a hand into the 
rectum. By this means, should the bladder be distended, it can 
easily be discovered. The catheter must then be introduced, or 
the animal will die from rupture of the bladder. Provided no 
catheter should be at hand, I should throw into the rectum copi- 
ous enemas of warm water, and administer one or two ounces of 
tincture of assafetida as an antispasmodic, which may possibly 
have the desired effect. 



Diabetes, or Profuse Urination. 

Many veterinary writers contend that diabetes is caused by the 
administration of diuretics, or else in consequence of improper 
food. In some instances this may be true. Errors of this kind 
may produce an excessive flow of urine, but this does not consti- 
tute diabetes. 

Symptoms. — The characteristic symptom of diabetes is a most 
remarkable change in the quality of the urine. It becomes loaded 
with sugar. It has been found that in true diabetes the urine is 
never without sugar. The most ready test for sugar in urine is 
as follows : Invert a test-tube, filled with urine, to which a small 
quantity of yeast has been added, into a saucer, also containing 



230 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

urine ; set the mixture in a warm place, and, if sugar be present, 
fermentation will soon commence, and carbonic acid rising in the 
tube will depress the upper surface of the urine. 

Very few experiments have ever been made on the diabetic 
urine of horses ; but large quantities of saccharine matters have 
been obtained from the diabetic urine of man, by a process of 
evaporation. Watson tells us, in his "Lectures," that he has 
seen large flat cakes of beautifully crystallized diabetic sugar. 
" It differs somewhat from common sugar, the produce of the 
sugar-cane, and approaches more nearly to the sugar of grapes. 
This kind of sugar, which may also be produced artificially from 
starch, chemists have named glucose. By rapid evaporation of 
the water, a thick syrup is produced, resembling treacle ; but Dr. 
Macintyre, who has presented to our hospital museum some very 
fine specimens of this sugar, prepared by Dr. Blandford, informs 
me that to get it well crystallized, the evaporation in a steam- 
bath should be stopped while the urine is of thin consistence. It 
may be quickly reduced to one-half, perhaps, of its original quan- 
tity; then it should be set aside, in shallow plates, and in the 
course of ten days or a fortnight the sugar will be deposited." 

An animal the subject of diabetes is usually very thirsty. The 
urine is light-colored, almost transparent. It has not the ordi- 
nary odor of common urine, but something like musty hay. 

Treatment. — The indications in the treatment of this affection 
are, to give tone to the system and sustain the general health. A 
drachm or two of the sulphate of iron may be occasionally mixed 
with the oats (the latter must be of the best quality), and one 
ounce of the fluid extract of buchu may be given every night.* 
Good wholesome food and an occasional drink of slippery-elm 
tea are also indicated. Should the disease not yield to such treat- 
ment as this, the case may be considered incurable. 

Cause. — In regard to the cause of diabetes, very little is known ; 
but, to set the matter right in the minds of some who believe that 
nothing but diuretics and inferior provender excite it, I offer the 
following quotation from the pen of the author just named. I 
think, however, that bad food is most likely to produce diabetes. 



* The buchu is not a direct diuretic, like resin or niter; therefore it may be 
given with safety. It acts as a tonic and sudorific, and operates physiologically 
on the kidneys. 



DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. 231 

" It is probable enough that the exciting cause of diabetes may 
sometimes lie in the digestive organs, as Mr. McGregor supposed. 
The results of his experiments do not conflict with M. Bernard's. 
Mr. McGregor, you may remember, found sugar in the partly- 
digested food brought up from the stomach of a diabetic patient. 
He detected it also in the saliva ; and in the feces, which, when 
allowed to dry spontaneously, became covered, after the lapse of 
some time, with distinct crystals of sugar. And yeast having been 
administered to two diabetic patients, in ounce doses, after each 
meal, had soon to be discontinued, because the patients, to use their 
own expressions, felt as if they ' were on the eve of being blown 
up.' There being sugar in the blood, we need not be surprised 
that he met with it in the gastric and intestinal secretions from 
the blood. Dr. Harley has observed that by injecting irritating 
matters into the portal vein, (ammonia, ether, chloroform, alcohol,) 
a saccharine condition of the urine may be artificially produced. 
It is conjectured that these substances act upon fibers of the pneu- 
mogastric nerve, whence an impression is transmitted to the nerv- 
ous centers, and thence is again reflected upon the liver through 
the splanchnic nerves. It is not difficult to imagine that irritat- 
ing substances may find their way into the portal blood through 
a faulty digestion, or through the use of certain kinds of food or 
of medicine. Again : since contrived irritation of the brain at the 
origin of the pneumogastric nerves will make the urine saccharine, 
the cause of diabetes in the human subject may reasonably be placed, 
in some instances, within the skull ; and we may understand how 
injuries or diseases of the brain, or even mental disquiet and de- 
jection, operating through the brain, may produce it. Some strik- 
ing cases have been published by Dr. Goolden, in which head 
symptoms were accompanied by saccharine urine, and in which 
the diabetic symptoms were checked or removed by remedies ad- 
dressed to the head affection — by blisters especially, and by pur- 
gatives. Nay, we may ask whether there may not, in fact, be two 
varieties of diabetes mellitus, in one of which the animal and in 
the other the vegetable form of sugar may be present in the urine, 
and whether the one of these varieties may not be more hopeful 
of cure or recovery than the other. Bearing in mind the name 
and the distribution of the pneumogastric nerve, may we not in- 
dulge the conjecture that disease or injury of the brain near the 
origin of that nerve may directly affect the functions of the stom- 



232 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

ach, and thus prevent its digestive power, or the functions of the 
lungs, and thus interfere with the chemical destruction of sugar 
in those organs ? This last notion might seem to receive support 
from the frequent association of pulmonary disease or disorder with 
saccharine urine." 



Rupture of the Bladder. 

It is well known that rupture of the bladder may arise from 
over-distension with urine ; yet it may occur from other causes, 
as the following article, contributed by Dr. C. M. Wood, will 
show : 

"September 1. — My subject was a bay horse, seven years old, in 
high condition ; that is, fat. On inquiry, I was informed, by the 
man who had the care of him, that when he entered the stable, 
at four o'clock, A. M., he found the horse rolling and tumbling, 
and in great pain. I asked, What has the horse been doing ? and 
was answered that, having fallen into other hands, he had done 
little more than merely exercise for the past four months. On 
examination, the following symptoms were observed: The ani- 
mal was standing, with the near fore extremity raised and extended, 
and in the act of pawing, but he did not disturb his bedding. He 
would suddenly place one foot down and raise the opposite one, 
when he would continue to paw, in like manner, for two or three 
minutes. He would then cease pawing, and extend himself in his 
stall, with the head elevated, and a fixed stare, as if in the act of 
urinating. He, would then perhaps lie down at full length in his 
stall, or throw his head back upon his side, and remain in this 
position a few minutes ; would again rise and commence pawing, 
as before. When standing, his hind extremities were wide apart. 
His pulse was forty-two ; mouth, hot, but moist ; the visible mu- 
cous surfaces slightly injected ; his respiration little disturbed ; in 
fact, his symptoms were not violent. I gave an antispasmodic 
drench, and left him. At eight, A. M., again visited my patient. 
Found him standing, apparently relieved, yet he occasionally man- 
ifested slight symptoms of a kind of dull abdominal pain. His 
bowels being costive, I gave him one ounce of cathartic mass, one 
drachm of calomel, and half a drachm of pulverized opium, in a 
ball. At noon he was still the same. Ordered him a bran-mash, 
which he did not eat; nor did he drink. Gave an enema, stim- 



DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. 233 

ulated the abdomen, and left him. Six, P. M. — He has laid down 
quietly for two hours ; stands easy, but neither eats nor drinks. 
Nine, P. M. — Still the same; lies down occasionally. When 
standing, paws considerably. Has had no evacuation of the bow- 
els or of the urinary passages since the man discovered that the 
animal was sick. Examined the rectum, but found no feces therein. 
Gave half a drachm each of Venice turpentine and copaiba, in an 
infusion of linseed ; gave also an enema, and left him for the night, 
leaving a pail of water in the manger before him. 

September 2, six o'clock, A. M. — On entering the stable, my 
patient appeared much the same as when I left him the previous 
evening. I inquired how he had been during the night. The 
groom informed me that 'he had remained easy until about one 
o'clock, when he commenced pawing, as before, but without touch- 
ing his bedding; that he would lie down for a few minutes quite 
easy, when he would throw himself at full length in his stall, and 
remain in that position a short time ; then rise up and extend 
himself, as if to relieve the urinary passages, but only a few drops 
dribbled away, as usual.' As usual? said I. Have you never 
observed any difficulty in his making water before ? He answered, 
' I have taken care of this horse for over two years, and have 
never seen him make more than a wine-glassful of water at any 
one time. He passed a little every ten or fifteen minutes. His 
stall was constantly wet, but I have never seen any trouble on 
account of it.' This statement was fully corroborated by several 
other persons. I now examined my patient per rectum, and found 
the bladder empty. Upon introducing the catheter not a drop of 
urine was obtained, nor even could the odor of urine be detected 
on the catheter. I now concluded that he had a ruptured bladder, 
and gave up all hopes of his recovery. However, from the pain 
at intervals, and apparent relief of the animal occasionally, I di- 
rected my treatment to the kidneys and bladder, by giving oily 
laxatives, emollient enemas, and counter-irritation, in the hope, 
not of cure, but of palliation, and each, in turn, gave relief for a 
short time. Nine, P. M. — Have seen my patient several times 
during the day. His symptoms increasing in frequency and vio- 
lence. Pulse, sixty -six ; respiration, hurried ; body and extremi- 
ties, still warm. He paws, rolls, and tumbles violently. Gave 
an enema, which had the effect to remove the contents of the rec- 
tum, consisting of four or five small pellets of feces, covered with 



234 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

mucus. He now, for the first time, drank six or seven swallows 
of water, but had no desire for food. I ordered a pail of water 
to be placed before him, and that a man should watch him during 
the night. 

September 3, six, A. M. — Has drank the water. Still paws, 
lies down, suddenly rises, paws again, and thus continues. The 
body is still warm ; he is not at all violent, his pain being, as it 
were, dull ; the abdomen rapidly increasing in size. Nine, P. M. — 
Have seen my patient several times since morning. See no pos- 
sible chance for recovery. His respiration is quick and laborious ; 
pulse, seventy-four ; visible mucous surfaces highly injected ; head 
and neck bedewed with a cold, clammy perspiration; tremor of 
the fore extremities ; still paws, but does not lie down. He puts 
his nose in the bucket, plays with the water in it, but does not 
drink. Abdomen appears to increase in size. Notwithstanding 
every means was used for his relief, the symptoms continued to 
increase in severity, and he died at one o'clock, A. M., on the 
fourth. 

Made an examination thirty-six hours after death, the knacker 
neglecting to remove the horse before. On opening the abdo- 
men the following appearances were visible : A slight blush of 
inflammation pervaded the whole of the intestinal canal. Ex- 
treme distention of the caecum and colon, but their contents were 
pultacious. The bladder quite empty, and contracted at its cervix 
into firm rugoe ; in substance its walls thickened to half an inch ; 
its apex bore marks of ulceration, with a rupture of one and a half 
inches through its parieties. Had it not been ruptured, I think 
the bladder could not have been made to contain more than a 
quart; and we think this condition of the organ is sufficient to 
account for the constant dribbling spoken of by the groom. There 
was an accumulation of several gallons of fluid in the abdominal 
cavity, and the peritoneum bore evident marks of inflammation, 
which, doubtless, had been rendered less solvent by the medicines 
administered. The lining membrane of the bladder was clothed 
with a kind of mucus, thick, muddy, and of a dark color. The 
kidneys were almost destitute of the investing membrane. What 
remained rubbed off with the slightest touch. In attempting to 
remove them from their connections, they were torn with very 
little force. They were of a brick red color, extremely soft, so 
that they could be squeezed between the fingers like a paste ; or, 



DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. 235 

when laid upon a board, they flattened like soft dough. The liver 
was softened, or, as it is generally called, rotten. It appeared 
pale, was of a clay color externally, and could be broken down 
with the slightest pressure. The stomach was healthy, and con- 
tained about four quarts of fluid. The thoracic viscera healthy ; 
heart, large and firm ; lungs, sound, but discolored, doubtless from 
lying so long after death. 

An idea suggests itself in regard to the case now under consid- 
eration : that the liver did not properly prepare the blood for the 
secretion of the urine ; hence the morbid condition of the kidneys 
and bladder. But, although these organs are shown to have been 
exercising a diseased secretory action, yet doubtless the primary 
seat of the affection was in the digestive apparatus, the stomach, 
and more particularly the liver. This question is not only a very 
important one in a pathological point of view, but it is also one 
of peculiar interest to the practitioner in his treatment of disease. 
It directs him to the proper remedies to employ, and the action 
of these remedies on the organs affected. In the treatment of all 
diseases, it is not only necessary to understand the cause, but to 
know the organ or viscus affected." 

Albuminous Urine. 

This is rather a rare disease among horses ; yet, as it does occa- 
sionally occur, it may be proper to take some notice of it. Those 
cases which have come under the author's notice have occurred in 
animals of the scrofulous diathesis, most of which animals had a 
scurfy skin, and were otherwise unthrifty, just the subjects for 
disease of the kidneys ; for it is well known that when the excre- 
mentitious function of the skin is interrupted, the kidneys have 
to perform double labor. Their function is then overtaxed ; hence, 
disease. 

Albuminous urine is often associated with various forms of dis- 
ease, or, rather, is the result of disease, or may follow the use of 
improper medicines or bad food. Such are said to be the cause 
of this malady (functional) in the human; and, reasoning from 
analogy, we infer that the same causes operate on the horse, for 
all the functions of his body are carried on after the same general 
plan that obtains in the body of man. 

Watson teaches us " that some articles of food, and some medi- 



236 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

cines, have the effect, in some cases, of rendering the urine for a 
time albuminous. Perhaps it would be more correct to say that 
certain forms of indigestion may cause this change. Albumen 
has, also, been detected after a blister upon the skin, or under that 
general state of irritation of the skin called eczema rubrum, which 
is produced by the use of mercury. In the crisis of some febrile 
disorders, in some cases of pregnancy, of heart disease, and in epi- 
demic cholera, the same phenomena has been observed. Whenever 
blood, proceeding from the long track of mucous membrane which 
lines the urinary organs, mingles with the urine, that fluid, of 
necessity, contains albumen, and coagulates, if tested by heat or by 
nitric acid." There is no albumen in healthy urine; neither can 
we recognize its presence by mere inspection. Horses often pass 
urine of a thick and ropy character, but that does not prove that 
it is albuminous. It may be loaded with morbid or excrementi- 
tious matter, yet contain not a particle of albumen. Healthy 
urine, when recently discharged, possesses the ordinary temper- 
ature of the body, is transparent, of a straw color, and exhales 
a peculiar ammoniacal odor, which it loses in cooling. About 
ninety-three parts in one hundred of healthy urine is water; the 
remainder are made up chiefly of urea, saline and organic matters. 
Albumen, being similar to the white of eggs, passes from the fluid 
to the solid state by boiling ; therefore, in order to detect albumen 
in urine, it is only necessary to heat the suspected urine to the 
boiling point, when the albuminous opacity becomes visible. 

A horse the subject of albuminous urine usually has a strad- 
dling gait ; will stretch backward his hind legs ; is stiff, and makes 
short turns with difficulty. He is usually thirsty and feverish, 
has a quick pulse, and the feuces are hard and dark-colored. When 
the disease is of long standing, and the animal loses flesh, and the 
mucous membranes of the mouth appear pale, the probability is 
that the disease is organic, and the case may be considered incura- 
ble. In such cases, the morbid appearances after death denote 
degeneration, or structural change in the secreting surface of the 
kidneys, and in the glands also. 

Treatment. — The best remedy for the treatment of this affection 
is fluid extract of buchu, two ounces per day. Green vegetables 
and carrots are also indicated. 



DISEASES OF .THE URINARY ORGANS. 237 

Hematuria (Bloody Urine). 

Hematuria consists of extravasation of blood from the urinary 
organs, which is mixed with the urine, giving to the latter a blood- 
red t'inge. Small quantities of blood is very often excreted from 
the kidneys, in consequence of congestion of the renal blood-ves- 
sels. The affection often follows injury or sprain in the lumbar 
region, and may occur in consequence of active disease, scattered 
in either the kidneys or the bladder. Strong diuretics, such as 
turpentine, juniper berries, etc., are operative in producing hema- 
turia. But many cases are very obscure. Blood is sometimes 
voided with the urine without any assignable cause. I have 
known mares, when menstruating, to pass considerable blood with 
the urine, which ceased on the termination of menstruation. 

Treatment. — The proper method of treating this affection is to 
apply warm-water dressings to the loins, and drench the patient 
with one ounce of fluid extract of matico, night and morning. 
Mucilaginous drinks are also needed, which may be composed of, 
slippery-elm, flaxseed, or gum arabic. 





SUEGIOAL INSTRUMENTS USED IN VETERINARY PRACTICE. 



Explanation.— Fig. 1, Hobbles for casting; 2, Probang, for the removal of obstruction 
within the oesophagus; 3, Thumb lancet; 4, Artery forceps; 5, Gum scarificator; 6, Tube used 
for obstruction in the teats; 7, Castrating knife; 8, Beak -pointed scalpel; 9, Curved scissors 
10, Suture-needles; 11, Female catheter ; 12, Parturient slip-noose; 13, Parturient laver ; 14, Em- 
bryotomy forceps, or clasp-honks; 15, Embryotomy knife ; 16, Mouth-gag; 17, Trocar; 18, Canula 
or cover of tho trocar; 19, 20, Trocar and canula for puncturing the chest; 21, 22, 23, Views of 
the several parts of tho tracheotomy tube. 



SECTION IX. 

SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 

Of Surgical Operations and the various Restraints it is sometimes ne- 
cessary TO PLACE THE HORSE UNDER FOR THEIR PERFORMANCE — CASTING 

Slinging — Castration — French Method of Castration — Castration by 
Ligature — Lithotomy — Tracheotomy — (Esophagotomy — Neurotomy — Mode 
of Performing Neurotomy — Periosteotomy — Division of the Flexor Ten- 
dons — Amputations — Amputation of the Penis — Amputation of the Tail — 
Nicking — Firing — Blistering— Ammoniacal Blister— Rowelling — Setons — 
Abstraction of Blood, or Bleeding — Division of the Temporal Artery — 
Bleeding by the Palate — Bleeding by the Toe — Phlebotomy — Bleeding 
by the Jugular Vein. 



Of Surgical, Operations and the various restraints it 
is sometimes necessary to place the horse under for 
their performance. 

" ^XTHEN it is necessary to perform any painful operation on 
" t so powerful an animal as the horse, it is of consequence 
to subject him to a restraint equal to the occasion. Horses are 
very dissimilar in their tempers, and bear pain very diiferently ; 
but it is always prudent to prepare for the worst, and few impor- 
tant operations should be attempted without casting. Humanity 
should be the fundamental principle of every proceeding, and we 
ought always to subject this noble animal to pain with reluctance; 
but when circumstances absolutely call for it, we should joyfully 
close our hearts to all necessary suffering. The resistance of the 
horse is terrible, and it is but common prudence to guard against 
the effects of it. The lesser restraints are various. Among them 
may be first noticed the twitch. The twitch is a very necessary 
instrument in a stable, though, when frequently and officiously 
used, it may have the ill-effect of rendering some horses violent 
to resist its application. In many instances blindfolding will do 

(239) 



240 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

more than the twitch ; and some horses may be quieted, when the 
pain is not excessive, by holding the ear in one hand, and rubbing 
the point of the nose with the other. A soothing manner will 
often engage the attention and prevent violence; but it is seldom 
that either threats or punishment 'render an unruly horse more 
calm. Inexperienced persons guard themselves only against the 
hind legs ; but they should be aware that some horses strike ter- 
ribly with their fore-feet. It is prudent, therefore, in all opera- 
tions, to blindfold the animal, as, by this, he becomes particularly 
intimidated, and if he strikes he can not aim. When one of the 
fore extremities requires a very minute examination, it is prudent 
to have the opposite leg held up (it may, in some cases, be tied) ; 
and when one of the hinder feet is the object of attention, the fore 
one of the same side should be held up, as, by this means, the ani- 
mal is commonly prevented from striking. If this precaution be 
not taken, still observe to keep one hand on the hock, while the 
other is employed in what is necessary, by which means, if the 
foot become elevated to kick, sufficient warning is given, and the 
very action of the horse throws the operator away from the stroke. 
Without the use of these arts, the practitioner will expose himself 
to much risk. The trevis is the very utmost limit of restraint, 
and is seldom used save by smiths, to shoe very violent and power- 
ful horses. Whenever recourse is had to it, the greatest caution is 
necessary to bed and bolster all the parts that are likely to come 
in contact with the body. On the Continent we have seen horses 
shod in this machine, and apparently put into it from no necessity 
greater than to prevent the clothes of the smith from being dirtied. 
Horses have been destroyed by the trevis, as well as by casting; 
or their aversion to the restraint has been such, they have died 
from the consequences of their own resistance. The side-line is 
now very generally used, not only in minor operations, but also in 
those more important. Many veterinarians do not use any other 
restraint than this, in which they consider there is safety both to 
the horse and to the operator. It is applicable to such horses as 
are disposed to strike behind, and consists in placing a hobble-strap 
around the pastern of one hind leg, and then carrying from a web 
collar, passed over the head, the end of a rope through the D of the 
hobble, and back again under the webbing round the neck. A 
man is then set to pull at the free end of the rope, by which the 
hinder leg is drawn forward without elevating it from the ground. 



SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 241 

By this displacement of one leg the horse is effectually secured 
from kicking with either. Occasionally it is thus applied : hobbles 
are put on both hind legs, and the rope is passed through each of 
the rings. According to this last method, the horse is actually 
cast, as he must fall when the ropes are pulled. Take a long rope, 
and tie a loop in the middle, which is to be of such a size as it may 
serve for a collar ; pass the loop over the head, letting the knot rest 
upon the withers ; then take the free ends, pass them through the 
hobbles, and bring it under the loop. Let two men pull at the 
ropes, and the hind legs will be drawn forward. 

Casting. 

The objections to this practice arise from the dangers incurred 
by forcing the horse to the ground. Mr. Bracy Clark simplified 
casting by inventing some patent hobbles, having a running chain 
instead of rope, and which, by a shifting D, made the loosening of 
all the hobbles, for the purpose of getting at a particular leg, 
unnecessary. These were still further improved by Mr. Budd, so 
as to render a release from all the hobbles at once practicable. 
Hobble leathers and ropes should be kept supple and pliant with 
oil, and ought to be always examined previous to using ; nor should 
the D or ring of the strap be of any other metal than iron. Brass, 
however thick, is brittle, and not to be depended on. To the D 
ring, or ring of one pastern hobble, a chain of about four feet long 
is attached ; to this a strong rope is well fastened, and, according to 
the way the horse is to be thrown, this hobble is to be fixed on the 
fore-foot of the contrary side. The rope is then passed from the 
hobble on the fore-foot to the D of the hind foot of that side, then 
to the other hind foot, and, lastly, through the D of the other fore- 
foot. After this, much of the ease and safety of the throw depends 
on bringing the legs as near together as possible. This should be 
done by gradually moving them nearer to each other, without 
alarming the horse, which will very much facilitate the business, 
and is really of more moment than is generally imagined. A space 
sufficiently large should be chosen for the purpose of casting, as 
some horses struggle much, and throw themselves with great vio- 
lence a considerable way to one side or the other; and they are 
able to do this if the feet have not been brought near together pre- 
vious to attempting the cast. The place should be also very well 
16 



242 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

littered clown. The legs having been brought together, the assist- 
ants must act in concert. One, particularly, should be at the head, 
which must be carefully held throughout by means of a strong 
snaffle-bridle ; another should be at the hind part, to direct the 
fall, and to force the body of the horse to the side which is requi- 
site. Pursuing these instructions, the animal may be at once rather 
let down than thrown, by a dexterous and quick drawing of the 
rope, the whole assistants acting in concert. The moment the 
horse is down, the person at the head must throw himself upon 
that member, and keep it secure ; for all the efforts of the animal 
to disengage himself are begun by elevating the head and fore-parts. 
The rope is tightened. The chain is fixed by inserting a hook 
through one of the links, of sufficient size not to pass the hobbles. 
When the operation is over, the screw which fastens the chain to 
the hobble, first put upon one fore-leg, is withdrawn. The chain 
then flies through the D's of the other hobbles, and all the legs 
are free, save the fore-leg first alluded to ; the strap of this has to 
be afterward unbuckled. There are also other apparatus used in 
casting, as a strong leathern case to pass over the head, serving as 
a blind when the animal is being thrown, and as a protection 
against his rubbing the skin off his eyes when down. Then a sur- 
cingle is also used. This is fastened round the horse's body, and 
from the back hangs a broad strap and a rope. The strap is fast- 
ened to the fore-leg of that side which it is desired should be 
uppermost. The line is given to a man who stands on the oppo- 
site side to the generality of the pullers. On the signal being 
given, the men having hold of the hobble-rope pull the legs one 
way, while he who has hold of the rope attached to the surcingle 
pulls the back in a coutrary direction, and the horse is immedi- 
ately cast. 

Slinging. 

This is a restraint which horses submit to with great impatience, 
and not without much inconvenience, from the violent excoriations 
occasioned by the friction and pressure of the bandaging around 
his body. Graver evils are also brought about by the abdominal 
pressure. Some horses stale and dung with difficulty when sus- 
pended, and inflammation of the bowels has not unfrequently 
come on during slinging. The slings are, however, forced on us 
in some cases, as in fractured bones, the treatment of open joints, 



SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 243 

and some other wounds where motion would be most unfavorable 
to the curative treatment. Suspension may be partial or complete. 
Suspension of any kind will require the application of pulleys and 
ropes affixed to the beams, that the whole body of the horse may 
be supported. A sling may be formed of a piece of strong sack- 
ing, which is to pass under the belly, the two ends being fastened 
firmly to pieces of wood, each of about three feet long, and which 
are to reach a little higher than the horse's back. To the pieces 
of wood cords and pulleys are to be firmly attached, by which 
means the sacking can be lowered or raised at pleasure. To the 
sacking, also, are to be sewn strong straps, both before and behind, 
to prevent the horse sliding in either direction, without carrying 
the sacking with him. Upon this so-formed cradle he is to recline. 
If horses when they are fresh should be placed in this machine, 
most of them would either injure themselves or break through all 
restraint. However, by tying up their heads for three or four 
nights their spirit is destroyed. The slings may then be applied 
without the fear of resistance. It is the best method not to pull 
the canvas firm up, but to leave about an inch between the horse's 
belly and the cloth, so that the animal may stand free, or throw 
his weight into the slings when he pleases. In this fashion a 
horse may remain for months in the slings, and at the end of the 
time display none of the wear and tear so feelingly described by 
old authors. 

Castration. 

This practice is of very ancient origin, and is as extensive as 
ancient. It is founded on the superior placidity of temper it gives. 
The castrated horse no longer evinces the superiorities of his mas- 
culine character, but approaches the softer form and mtlder char- 
acter of the mare. Losing his ungovernable desires, he submits 
to discipline and confinement without resistance ; and, if he be less 
worthy of the painter's delineation and the poet's song, he is val- 
uable to his possessor in a tenfold degree. In England, where 
length in the arms and of the wide-spread angles of the limbs is 
absolutely necessary in the horse to accomplish the rapid traveling 
so much in vogue among us, the exchange of the lofty carriage 
and high action of the stallion is absolutely necessary ; and when 
we have added the lessened tendency of the gelding to some dis- 
eases, as hernia, founder, cutaneous affections, etc., we may be 



244 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

content to leave the sexual type with the racer for his breed; 
also Avith the dray-horse for his weight, and the fancy of his 
owner. 

Supposing it, therefore, eligible to castrate our horses, what is 
the proper age for the operation ? What are the relative advan- 
tages and disadvantages of the different methods of performing 
it? The proper age to castrate the young horse must depend on 
circumstances, as on his present appearance, his growth, and the 
future purposes we intend him for, observing, generally, that the 
more early it is done, the safer is the operation ; for, until these 
organs begin to secrete, they are purely structural parts, and, as 
such, are not so intimately connected with the sympathies of the 
constitution. Some breeders of horses castrate at twelve months ; 
others object to this period, because they think the animal has 
not sufficiently recovered the check experienced from weaning 
before this new shock to the system occurs. In the more common 
sort of horses, used for agricultural purposes, it is probably indif- 
ferent at what time the operation is performed, this consideration 
being kept in view : that the earlier it is done, the lighter will the 
horse be in his forehand ; and the longer it is protracted, the heav- 
ier will be his crest, and the greater his weight before, which, in 
heavy draught-work, is desirable. For carriage-horses it would 
be less so, and the period of two years is not a bad one for their 
castration. The better sort of saddle-horses should be well ex- 
amined every three or four months, particularly at the ages of 
twelve, eighteen, and twenty-four months, at either of which times, 
according to circumstances or to fancy, provided the forehand be 
sufficiently developed, it may be proceeded with. Waiting longer 
may make the horse heavy ; but, if his neck appear too long and 
thin, and his shoulders spare, he will assuredly be improved by 
being allowed to remain entire for six or eight months later. 
Many of the Yorkshire breeders never cut till two years, and 
think their horses stronger and handsomer for it. Some wait 
even longer ; but the fear in this case is, that the stallion form 
will be too predominant, and a heavy crest and weighty forehand 
be the consequence. Perhaps, also, the temper may suffer. Young 
colts require little preparation, provided they are healthy and not 
too full from high living. If so, they must be kept somewhat 
short for a few days ; and, in all, the choice of a mild season and 
moderate temperature is proper. 



SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 245 

"When a full-grown horse is operated on, some further prepa- 
ration is necessary. He should not be in a state of debility, and, 
certainly, not in one of plethora. In the latter case, lower his diet ; 
and it would be prudent to give him a purgative. It is also ad- 
visable that it be done when no influenza or strangles rage, as we 
have found the effects of castration render a horse very obnoxious 
to any prevalent disease. The advanced spring season — previous, 
however, to the flies becoming troublesome — is the proper time for 
the performance of the operation upon all valuable horses ; and 
be careful that it be not done until after the winter coat has been 
shed, which will have a favorable effect on the future coating of 
the horse, independent of the circumstance that at a period of 
change the constitution is not favorable to unusual excitement. 

Castration is performed in various ways, but in all it expresses 
the removal of the testicles. There are methods of rendering' the 
animal impotent without the actual destruction of these organs; 
for if, by any other method, the secretion of the spermatic glands 
is prevented, our end is answered. 

Castration by cauterization is the method which has been prin- 
cipally practiced among us; but this by no means proves it the 
best. On the contrary, many of our most expert veterinarians 
do not castrate by this method. Mr. Goodwin, and many other 
practitioners of eminence, never castrate by cautery. 

A preliminary observation should be made previously to casting, 
to see that the horse is not suffering from a rupture. Such cases 
have happened ; and as in our method we open a direct commu- 
nication with the abdomen, when the horse rises it is not improb- 
able that his bowels protrude until they trail on the ground. 
Hernia, as a consequence of castration, may easily occur by the 
uncovered operation ; for, as already observed, it makes the scrotal 
sac and abdominal cavity one continuous opening. It is not to 
be wondered at, therefore, if the violent struggles of the animal 
should force a quantity of intestine through the rings into the 
scrotal bag. Should we be called on to operate on a horse which 
already had hernia, it is evident we ought not to proceed with it 
unless the owner be apprised of the risk, and willing to abide by 
it. In such cases, we would recommend that the method of Girard 
be practiced ; that is, to inclose the tunica vaginalis within the 
clams, (sufficiently tight to retain them, but not to produce death 
in the part,) pushed high up against the abdominal ring, and then 



246 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

to remove the testicle, being very careful to avoid injuring any 
portion of intestine in the operation. When a discovery is made 
of the existence of hernia after an opening has been already made 
for the common purpose of castration, should the operator con- 
tinue his process, and castrate? We should say, By no means; 
but, on the contrary, we would greatly prefer the method recom- 
mended by Mr. Percivall : firmly to unite the lips of the external 
wound by suture, allowing the testicle itself to assist in blocking 
up the passage, with a hope, also, that the inflammation caused by 
the incision might altogether stop up the scrotal communication 
with the abdomen. But, in the appalling case of immense pro- 
trusion of intestine, what is to be done? Mr. Coleman, in such 
a case, proposes to make an opening near the umbilicus large 
enough to introduce the hand, and thus draw in the bowels. Mr. 
Percivall would prefer dilating the external ring. But the testicle 
must be very firmly retained, and even permanently fixed against 
the dilated ring, or the bowels would again descend. The intes- 
tines probably would become inflated in any such case. 

As unbroken young horses are the most usual subjects of this 
operation, and as such often have not yet been bridled, if a colt 
can not be enticed with oats, etc., he must be driven into a corner, 
between two steady horses, where, if a halter can not be put on, at 
least a running hempen noose can be got round his neck ; but which- 
ever is used, it should be flat, or the struggles, which are often long. 
and violent, may bruise the neck, and produce abscess or injury. 
When his exertions have tired him, he may then be led to the 
operating spot. Here his attention should be engaged while the 
hobbles are put on, if possible ; if not, a long and strong cart-rope, 
having its middle portion formed into a noose sufficiently large to 
take in the head and neck, is to be slipped on, with the knotted 
part applied to the counter or breast. The long pendent ends are 
passed backward between the fore-legs; then carried round the 
hind fetlocks, brought forward again on the outside, run under 
the collar-rope ; a second time carried backward on the outer side 
of all, and extended to the full length in a direct line behind the 
animal. Thus fettered, Mr. Percivall says his liincl feet may be 
drawn under him toward the elbows. It has been, however, often 
found that, at the moment the rope touches the legs, the colt either 
kicks and displaces the rope, or altogether displaces himself; but 
his attention can generally be engaged by one fore-leg being held 



SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 247 

up, or by having his ear or muzzle rubbed, or even by the twitch ; 
if not, the rope may be carried actually round each fetlock, which 
then acts like a hobble, and this rope may be gradually tight- 
ened. This last, however, is a very questionable method, and the 
others, therefore, ought to be long tried before it is resorted to. 
In this way people have succeeded with very refractory colts ; but 
it requires very able assistants, and, if possible, the man who has 
been used to the individual colt should be present. In either way, 
as soon as the rope is fixed, with a man at each end of it, behind 
the colt, let themf-by a sudden and forcible effort in concert, ap- 
proximate his hind legs to his fore, and thus throw him. Before 
the colt is cast, however, it should be endeavored to ascertain that 
he is free from strangles and hernia. 

Being satisfied that no hernia exists on either side, proceed to 
cast the colt, turning him, not directly on the left side, but prin- 
cipally inclining that way ; and, if possible, let the croup be very 
slightly elevated. It is usual to place him directly flat on the left 
side, but the above is more convenient. Next, secure the near 
hind leg with a piece of hempen tackle, having a running noose ; 
or, in default of this not being at hand, make use of the flat part 
of a hempen halter, which should, for safety, be put on before the 
hobble of that leg is removed — as may be readily done, if the 
hobbles having shifting or screw D's (as described in casting) are 
made use of. Every requisite being at hand, the operator, having 
his scalpel ready, should place himself behind the horse, as the 
most convenient way to perform his manipulations; and, firmly 
grasping the left testicle with his left hand, and drawing *it out so 
as to render the scrotum tense, he should make an incision length- 
ways, from the anterior to the posterior part of the bag. The 
resistance of the cremaster muscle has to be overcome before the 
testicle can be forced to the bottom of the scrotum, and this is the 
more readily accomplished if the animal's attention be engaged. 
The incision may be carried at once through the integuments, the 
thin clartos expansion, and the vaginal coat of the testicles with 
a sweep of the scalpel; but with one less dextrous at the opera- 
tion, it will be more prudent to make the first incision through 
the scrotum and dartos only, to the required extent, and then to 
do the same by the vaginal coat, thus avoiding to wound the tes-* 
tide, which would produce violent resistance, and give unneces- 
sary pain. 



248 DADDS VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

We, however, take this opportunity of noting that cases have 
occurred when the tunica vaginalis was divided no testicle fol- 
lowed, firm adhesions between this tunic and the tunica albuginea 
having retained it fast. In such cases the scalpel must be em- 
ployed to free the testicle, by dissecting it away from the vaginal 
sac. When no such obstruction occurs, the testicle, if the opening 
be sufficiently large, will slip out; but the operator must be pre- 
pared, at the moment of so doing, to expect some violent struggles, 
more particularly if he attempt to restrain the contractions of the 
cremaster, and, by main force, to draw out the fjesticle. Prepara- 
tory to this, therefore, the twitch should fye tightened; the attend- 
ants, especially the man at the head, must be on the alert; and 
the testicle itself, at the time of this violent retraction of the cre- 
master, should be merely held, but not dragged in opposition to 
the contraction. If the clams have been put on over the whole, 
according to Mr. Percivall's method, they will assist in retaining 
the retracting parts ; but they must not be used with too much 
pressure. The resistance having subsided, the clams must now 
be removed ; or, . if they have not been previously in use, they 
must now be taken in hand, and, having been prepared by some 
tow being wound around them, should be placed easily on the cord, 
while time is found to free from the grip of the pincers the vas def- 
erens, or spermatic tube, which is seen continued from the epididy- 
mis. The Russians, Mr. Goodwin informs us, cut it through when 
they operate. Humanity is much concerned in its removal from 
pressure, because of the excess of pain felt when it is included. 

It is necessary, before the final fixing of the clams, to deter- 
mine on the part where the division of the cord is to take place. 
To use Mr. Percivall's words, ' if it be left too long, it is apt to 
hang out of the wound afterward, and retard the process of union.' 
On the other hand, if it be cut very short, and the arteries hap- 
pen to bleed afresh after it has been released from the clams, the 
operator will find it no easy task to recover it. The natural 
length of the cord, which will mainly depend on the degree of 
the descent of the gland, will be our best guide in this particular. 
The place of section determined on and marked, close the clams 
sufficiently tight to retain firm hold of the cord, and to effectually 
stop the circulation within it. There are now two modes of 
making the division : the one is to sever it with a scalpel, and then 
to sufficiently sear the end of it as to prevent a flow of blood ; the 



SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 249 

other, and in some respects the preferable method, is to employ a 
blunt-edged iron, which is to divide by little crucial sawings, so 
that, when the cord is separated, it shall not present a uniform 
surface, but ragged edges, which will perfectly close the mouths 
of the vessels. This done, loosen the clams sufficiently to observe 
whether there be any flow of blood. Gently wipe the end of the 
cord, also, with the finger, as sometimes an accidental small plug 
gets within the vessel; this had better be removed at the time. 
Retain a hold on the clams a few minutes longer; and, while 
loosening them gradually, observe to have an iron in readiness 
again to touch the end of the cord, if any blood makes its appear- 
ance. Satisfied on this point, sponge the parts with cold water. 
No sort of external application is necessary, still less any resin 
seared on the end of the cord, which can only irritate, and will 
never adhere. 

On the after-treatment much difference of opinion has existed, 
and even yet exists. The powerful evidence of accumulated facts 
has now convinced us of the necessity and propriety of some mo- 
tion for the newly castrated horse, as a preventive of local con- 
gestion. Such practice is common in most countries, and seems 
salutary in all. Hurtrel d'Arboval, thus impressed, recommends 
the horse, immediately after the operation, to be led out to walk 
for an hour ; and it is a general plan in France to walk such horses 
in hand an hour night and morning. Mr. Goodwin, in proof of its 
not being hurtful, informs us that whole studs of horses, brought 
to St. Petersburg to be operated on, are immediately traveled 
back a certain portion of the distance, night and morning, until 
they arrive at home. We have, therefore, no hesitation in recom- 
mending a moderate degree of motion in preference to absolute 
rest. 

The French method of castration is advocated by Mr. Goodwin, 
and it is sufficient that it receives his recommendation to entitle 
it to attention. It is rendered the more so, as he observes, on 
the method in general use among us, 'that the operation per- 
formed by the actual cautery always induces, more or less, symp- 
toms that often become alarming, and that it can not be performed 
on the adult without incurring more swelling and severer conse- 
quences than attend other methods of operation. If I ever use 
the actual cautery, it is for the sake of expedition, and then only 
on a yearling or a two-year old ; but I am resolved never to em- 



250 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

ploy it again on an adult.' These observations, as emanating from 
such a source, must be deemed important. 

Mr. Goodwin then offers the description of the French method 
of operating, from Hurtrel d'Arboval : ' Castration by means of 
the clams is the method in general use, if not the only one now 
employed. It is the most ancient, since it was recommended by 
Hieroclius among the Greeks. It is performed in two ways, the 
testicle being covered or uncovered. In the former, the exterior 
of the scrotum, formed by the skin and dartos muscle, is cut 
through, and the testicle is brought out by dissecting away the 
laminated tissue, the gland being covered by the tunica vaginalis. 
The clam is then placed above the epididymis, outside the external 
peritoneal covering of the cord. In the uncovered operation, the 
incision is made through the servus capsule of the testicle. The 
tunica vaginalis being divided, the testicle presents itself, and the 
clam is placed well above the epididymis, on the cord. The ope- 
ration, performed in either way, requires us to provide ourselves 
with a scalpel, a pair of clams, a pair of long pincers, made pur- 
posely to bring the ends of the clams together, and some waxed 
string. The clams may be formed of different kinds of wood, but 
the alder is considered the best, and generally made use of. To 
make a clam, we procure a branch of old and dry alder, whose 
diameter should be about an inch, and whose length should be 
from five to six inches; of course, the dimensions must, at all 
times, be proportioned to the size of the cord we have to operate 
on. At the distance of half an inch from each end, a small nick, 
sufficiently deep to hold the string, must be made, and then the 
wood should be sawed through the middle lengthways. Each 
divided surface should be planed, so as to facilitate the opening 
of the clams, either when about to place them on or take them 
off. The pith of the wood is then to be taken out, and the hollow 
should be filled with corrosive sublimate and flour, mixed with 
sufficient water to form it into a paste. Some persons are not in 
the habit of using any caustic whatever ; then, of course, scooping 
out of the inside of the clam is not necessary. Notwithstanding, 
the caustic, inasmuch as it produces a speedier dissolution of the 
parts, must be useful, and ought not to be neglected.' The addi- 
tion of the caustic, however, Mr. Goodwin objects to, with great 
reason, remarking that, unless it be a very strong one, and there- 
fore dangerous to employ, it can not be of any use to parts com- 



SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 251 

pressed and deprived of circulation and life. He further informs 
us that he has operated in six cases in succession with the same 
effect, without any escharotic matter whatever. An experimental 
case of Mr. PercivalPs terminated fatally. By the use of caustic 
the cord was " greatly inflamed, as high as the ring, and which, 
unquestionably, produced the unfortunate result. 

1 The covered operation,' continues Mr. Goodwin, ' is the one 
that I am about to advocate, and which differs only insomuch that 
the scrotum and dartos muscle must be cautiously cut through, 
without dividing the tunica vaginalis. It was Monsieur Berger 
who was accidentally at my house when I was about to castrate a 
horse, and who, on my saying that I should probably do it with 
the cautery, expressed his surprise that I should perform the oper- 
ation in any other way than on the plan generally approved of 
in France. Being a stranger to it, he kindly consented to preside 
at the operation, and, after seeing him perform on the near tes- 
ticle, I did the same on the right, but, of course, not with the same 
facility. After opening the scrotum, and dissecting through the 
dartos, which is very readily done by passing the knife lightly over 
its fibers, the testicle and its covering, the tunica vaginalis, must 
be taken in the right hand, while the left should be -employed in 
pushing back the scrotum from its attachments ; and, having your 
assistant ready, as before, Avith the clam, it must be placed well 
above the epididymis, and greater pressure is, of course, necessary, 
as the vaginal covering is included in the clam.' 

Mr. Goodwin further observes that in Russia he has seen hun- 
dreds of horses operated on, even after the human fashion, with 
safety ; and, he remarks, it certainly produces less pain, the animal 
loses less flesh and condition, and is sooner recovered than when 
operated on by the actual cautery. 

Castration by ligature is a painful, barbarous, and very danger- 
ous practice, and consists in inclosing the testicles and scrotum 
within ligatures, until mortification occurs, and they drop off. It 
is practiced by some breeders on their young colts, but it is always 
hazardous and disgracefully cruel. The substance of the testicle, 
in some countries, is also broken down, either by rubbing or other- 
wise by pressure between two hard bodies.* This is practiced in 
Algiers, instead of excision, and tetanus is a frequent consequence 
of it. In Portugal they twist round the testicle, and thus stop the 
circulation of the gland. Division of the vas deferens has been 



252 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

performed, it is said, with success, on many animals, and is pro- 
posed as a safe and less painful process than the emasculation of 
the horse. It consists in a longitudinal section through the scro- 
tum, dartos, and vaginal sheath, so as to expose the cord, from 
which the vas deferens is to be separated and severed from the 
artery and vein. There is a certain consent of parts, by which 
the sympathy of an organ remains after its functional offices are 
apparently destroyed. There can be little doubt but the nervous 
excitement would continue, the vein and artery remaining entire. 
There are certain nice conditions of the organ necessary for prop- 
agation. Thus, the horse who retains his testicles within his abdo- 
men, possesses all the roguish qualities of him with one perfectly 
evolved ; he is lustful, and can cover, but is seldom fruitful. 

Of the morbid consequences of castration we have little to say. 
By early evacuations, green food, a loose box, a cool air, moderate 
clothing, but, particularly, by walking exercise, swellings of the 
parts may be prevented ; if not, bleed and foment. Should sup- 
puration follow, and sinuses form, treat as directed under those 
heads ; and if tetanic symptoms start up, refer to that article. 
There has been lately practiced in India a novel mode of castra- 
tion, which is said to be the invention of a Boer, settled at the 
Cape of Good Hope. The cord is exposed in the usual manner. 
From the cord the artery is singled out. This vessel is scraped 
through with a coarse-edged, blunt knife, when the other constitu- 
tents of the cord are cut away, and the operation is finished. This 
method is much praised by those who have adopted it, and is* said 
to be always attended with success. 

Lithotomy. 

Hurtrel d'Arboval's account of the progress of lithotomy in vet- 
erinary practice commences in 1774; the second case was success- 
fully operated on in 1794; and at later periods other veterinary 
surgeons have also performed it. In monodactyles there are two 
methods of operating for the stone — one through the rectum, the 
mother through the bladder. The first, which consists in laying 
open the bladder by a longitudinal incision made through the 
parietes of the part of the rectum adherent to it, by means of a 
straight bistoury, is easily practiced, but in its consequences is 
dangerous in the extreme ; in fact, it is an operation never to be 



SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 253 

adopted but in a case where the magnitude of the stone precludes 
its extraction through the neck of the bladder. In all other cases, 
lithotomy by the urethra is to be pursued. For its performance 
are required a straight probe-pointed bistoury, a whalebone fluted 
staff, and a pair of forceps, curved at the extremities. The ani- 
mal should, if practicable, be maintained in the erect posture. 
The tail plaited and carried round on the right quarter, the opera- 
tor feels for the end of the staff introduced up the urethra, and 
makes an incision directly upon it, from above downward, an inch 
and a half or two inches in length. Next, he introduces the sound, 
and passes it onward into the bladder. Now, placing the back of 
the bistoury within the groove of the sound, by gliding the knife 
forward, the pelvic portion of the urethra, and also the neck of the 
bladder, becomes slit open — the latter in two places, in consequence 
of a second cut being made in withdrawing the bistoury. The 
opening made being considered of sufficient dimensions, the oper- 
ator introduces the forceps into the bladder, and seizes the calculus, 
one hand being up the rectum, to aid him in so doing. The for- 
ceps, clasping the stone, are now to be withdrawn, but with gen- 
tleness, and with a vacillating sort of movement of the hand 
from side to side, in order more easily to surmount any difficulties 
in the passage, and the more effectually to avoid confusion or 
laceration. M. Girard tells us 'that the cut through the pelvic 
portion of the urethra ought always to be made obliquely to one 
side. The operator should hold his bistoury in such a direction 
that its cutting edge be turned toward the angle of the thigh. By 
this procedure we shall gain easier access to the bladder, and not 
only avoid wounding the rectum, but also the artery of the bulb, 
as well as the bulb itself, and suspensory ligaments of the penis. 
The parts cut through in the operation are, 1st, the fine thin 
skin of the perineum, smooth externally, and marked with a 
raphe ; densely cellular internally ; 2d, adhering to the tissue, the 
fascial covering, derived from the fascia superficialis abdominis, 
which has here become fibrous, it forms the common envelope to 
the parts underneath, and is closely connected with the corpus 
musculosum urethrse ; 3d, the corpus musculosum urethra?, that 
penniform band of fleshy fibers which springs by two branches 
from the ischiatic tuberosities embracing the sphincter ani, and 
concealing the arteries of the bulb, whence they unite, and pro- 
ceed to envelop the urethra ; 4th, the corpus spongiosum urethrse, 



254 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

the part immediately covered by the muscular envelope, and which 
here is bulbous (it is more particularly worthy our remark, from 
two arteries penetrating the bulb, which come from without the 
pelvis, ascending obliquely outward to reach the part) ; 5th, the 
suspensory ligaments of the penis, pursuing the course of, and ad- 
hering to, the tendinous union of the erectores. An attention to 
the relative position of these parts will demonstrate the advantages 
of the lateral oblique incision over one made directly along the 
raphe. By pursuing the latter, we necessarily cut through the 
suspensory ligaments and into the bulb, wounding thereby the 
arteries ; whereas, by the former, all this danger is avoided, besides 
that it renders the operation more simple and facile. 

Tracheotomy. 

Cases occur when this operation is required, as in strangles, 
when the tumors threaten suffocation, or when any substance has 
remained unswallowed in the oesophagus, the pressure of which 
obstructs respiration. In a distressing case of gunpowder burst- 
ing immediately under a horse's nose, the effects of which tumefied 
his mouth and nostrils, so as to prevent free inspiration, the ani- 
mal owed his life entirely to our excising a portion from the 
tracheal rings, about ten inches below the angle of the throat. 
The operation is a very simple one, and may consist either in a 
longitudinal section made through two or three of the rings, or a 
portion, occupying about an inch round, may be excised from the 
anterior cartilaginous substance. The proper mode, when it can 
be done, however, is to make a circular opening with a very nar- 
row knife, removing a portion of two cartilages, or taking a semi- 
circular piece from each ; and this last, although it is seldom 
performed, is by far the best method. The integuments should 
be first divided in the exact center of the neck, three or four inches 
below the obstruction; then the skin and tissues should be suffi- 
ciently separated to allow a tube adapted to the size of the trachea 
to be introduced, the tube having an acute turn and a rim, which 
must be furnished with holes for the adaptation of tapes, to secure 
it around the neck. There are several instruments of this sort in 
use, of which that adopted by the French, or the one invented 
by Mr. Gowing, of Camden Town, is to be preferred. The oper- 
ation has been also performed in cases of roaring, under an idea 



SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 255 

of dividing the stricture which impeded respiration ; but, unless 
the exact situation of this were discovered, it would be but an ex- 
perimental attempt. 

CESOPHAGOTOMY. 

It was long thought that a wound in the oesophagus must be 
necessarily fatal, but we have now sufficient proofs to the contrary 
on record, so that Ave are not deterred from cutting into the oesopha- 
geal tube when it is necessary ; but it is an operation requiring 
skill and anatomical knowledge, and its future results are some- 
times very serious. The cases that call for oesophagotomy are the 
lodgment' of accidental substances within the tube. An apple 
once so lodged was removed by incision by a veterinary surgeon 
at Windsor. Carrots, parsnips, beets, etc., are liable to produce 
such obstruction when not sliced. Too large a medicinal mass, 
also, has lodged there ; and a voracious eater has, by attempting 
to swallow too large a quantity of not salivated bran or chaff, pro- 
duced an obstruction, which pressed on the trachea and threatened 
suffocation. In all cases of obstruction of this kind, we will sup- 
pose that a probang, well oiled, has been previously attempted to 
be passed, and has completely failed. The probang for the horse, 
however, differs materially from that used for the cow. It is 
formed after the fashion of the one adopted by the human prac- 
titioner, consisting of a pliable piece of whalebone, having a sponge 
tied to one end. The operation being determined on, may be 
practiced standing. If the swelling be large, no fear need be en- 
tertained about cutting important organs, as the enlargement will 
push them on one side. Cut down, therefore, directly upon the 
center of the impacted substance. If the horse be cast, which is 
quite unnecessary, have him, of course, thrown with his left side 
uppermost. It will also be necessary to command a good light. 
The part of the neck chosen for the opening must, of course, be 
governed by the obstructing mass. A section should be made 
through the integuments and cellular tissue beneath them, right 
into the oesophagus, if possible, with one cut, and into the center 
of the pipe. If this be not done at once, and it requires some 
dexterity so as to effect it, mind to make all future incisions in a 
line. with the first opening, as it is important that the cellular tis- 
sue should be little interfered with. The oesophagus, fairly cut 
into the impactment, should jump forth. Should it not do so, do 



256 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

not manipulate, or attempt to force it out, but enlarge the opening, 
and the substance will come through when that is long enough • 
but no fingering could compel its exit while the opening is too 
small. The end gained for which the incision was made in the 
oesophagus, the wound may be then closed by the interrupted su- 
tures, each holding a small piece of tow above the orifice, and 
having their ends hanging out of the external opening, which 
should also be brought together by sutures. The after-treatment 
should be to interdict all dry food ; the animal ought to subsist 
on very thick gruel for three, four, or five days. If the condition 
appears to suffer much, allow malt mashes, and when so doing 
watch the wound ; and if the matters taken in are seen to ooze out, 
wash them away frequently with warm water, to prevent lodg- 
ment, which might encourage sinuses to form ; and after each 
washing, syringe with some very mild stimulant, as a very weak 
solution of sulphate of zinc (white vitriol), etc. 

Neurotomy (Division of the Sentient Nerves of 
the Foot). 

Neurotomy has now stood the test of very extensive application. 
Our writers offer innumerable proofs of its restoring almost useless 
animals to a state of much utility ; and if there are chances that 
it may occasion such injury as to hasten the end of some horses, 
it is usually in such as the disease would have done the same for 
at no distant period. Having stated thus much in its favor, it 
must not be supposed that we recommend it as an unqualified 
benefit, even where it succeeds best. No neurotomized horse ever 
after goes with the same freedom, nor with equal safety, as he did 
before the operation was performed. Indifference to the nature 
of the ground gone over is said to have fractured legs ; it is quite 
common to batter the feet to pieces; and, although horses have 
hunted afterward, and hackneys have carried their riders long 
distances, yet it is more calculated to prove beneficial to carriage 
than to saddle-horses. This we believe to be a just statement of 
its merits; but there are benefits which it offers to the animal of 
a more extensive and constitutional kind. Those gained by the 
bodily system generally have been, in some cases, very marked. 
Thus, an aged and crippled stallion, from the irritation constantly 
kept up, became so emaciated as to be unable to fecundate ; but, 



SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 257 

being relieved from a constant state of suffering by neurotomy, 
improved in health and condition, and was again used to cover. 
It happened, also, that a mare, similarly circumstanced, ceased to 
feel oestrum ; but after neurotomy it again returned, and she re- 
sumed her character of a brood-mare. It appears to act with 
most certainty when a portion of the irritated nerve is excised. 
One case has actually occurred where the tetanus, occasioned by 
a wound in the foot, was arrested and removed by neurotomy. 
It also promises much in the painful state of some cankers, where 
the irritation has rendered the application of dressings almost im- 
possible. Here, by depriving the foot of sensibility, we deprive 
the horse of that which is injurious to him. The sore' itself is 
often amended by it; but in every instance the dressings can be 
effectively applied, and the healthy processes can not be at all 
suspended. 

With respect to whether the lower or upper incision ought to 
have the preference, the decision should be guided by the circum- 
stances, as regards the intensity and the seat of the disease. The 
operation commonly leaves, for a considerable time, some enlarge- 
ment around the spot, the effects of the adhesive matter interposed 
between the severed portions of the nerve, and which can be rem- 
edied by no application of bandages. This bulging remains so 
long as life continues ; and, however cunningly the incision be 
concealed, this can be felt with ease, and tells the truth ever after 
the operation has been performed. Such a circumstance has, how- 
ever, led some practitioners, when it has been wished to make the 
upper section, and yet to avoid the chance of detection, to operate 
on the metacarpal nerve on the outside, and on the pastern or 
plantar nerve on the inside. 

Mode of performing (he operation. — The situation of the section 
through the skin being determined on, a guide to which may be 
gained from the perforatus tendon, and having firmly secured the 
leg to be first operated on, cut the hair from the part. This being 
done, and the exact course of the artery being ascertained by its 
pulsation, make a section close to the edge of the flexor tendon. 
Let the cut be near, but rather behind, the artery, if below the fet- 
lock joint. The cellular substance being cleared away will bring 
the vessels into view, and the nerve will be readily distinguished 
from them by its whiteness. Elevating it from the vessels and 
its membranous attachments, by means of a crooked needle, armed 
17 



258 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

with thread, pass a bistoury under it, as near to the upper angle 
of the section as possible. The violent spasm the division of the 
nerve produces may be somewhat lessened by pressing the nerve 
between the finger and the thumb, when an opportunity may be 
taken, either with the scalpel or scissors, of dividing it ; then, 
taking hold of the lowermost portion between a pair of forceps, 
excise about three-fourths of an inch of its trunk. Having fin- 
ished, if both feet are affected, proceed to operate on the contrary 
side of the other leg ; after which turn the horse, and repeat the 
operations on the like parts of each leg as they come in succession. 
The integuments may be now drawn neatly together, and secured 
by a twisted suture, the whole being properly covered by a light 
compress. Tie up the head for a day or two, after which put on 
a cradle. Keep the horse very quiet and low; give mashes, to 
open the bowels ; but Ave should avoid physicking, from the fear 
that griping might occur, which would make him restless, or prob- 
ably require exercise. 

Periosteotomy. 

This operation consists in having the horse thrown upon his 
side, and the leg to be operated upon released from the hobble, 
and extended upon a sack, filled with refuse hay or straw. This 
is done by means of a piece of webbing passed round the hoof, and 
the end given to a man to hold, who pulls rather violently at the 
member. The operator then kneels down and feels for the exos- 
tosis he intends to perform periosteotomy upon. This may be a 
splint or a node, and commonly exists upon the metacarpal portion 
of the fore-limb. The operator having found the excrescence, snips 
just below it with a pair of rowelling scissors. He then takes a 
blunt seton-needle and drives it through the cellular tissue, and 
immediately over the enlargement. Next, another slit in the 
skin, above the exostosis, is made with the rowelling scissors, and 
through this last opening the point of the seton-needle is forced 
and then withdrawn. Into the free space thus made a curved 
knife is introduced. The point of this knife is blunt, and the 
blade curves upward, the cutting part being below. Some per- 
sons use a very diminutive blade, but the editor prefers a rather 
large instrument, as being more under the command of the hand. 
Having introduced this knife, he turns the cutting edge downward, 



SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 259 

and with it incises the enlargement, sending the blade right through 
the periosteum, and also through the substance of the exostosis, if 
it be not too solid for the knife to penetrate. This latter fact is 
only to be ascertained by actual experience, and no opinion formed 
after an external examination can be of any value, such being much 
more the guess of a pretender than the judgment of a surgeon. 
The age of the animal may be some guide, but even this it is 
better not to depend upon too entirely. It is true that young 
horses freely cast forth exostoses, which aged animals mostly 
absorb; but this rule, though very general, has exceptions, and 
by no means is to be absolutely depended upon. 

The enlargement being cut through, next take a seton-needle, 
armed with a tape, and draw it through the channel already made. 
Tie a knot at either end of the tape, large enough to prevent its 
being pulled through the opening at either end, and the business 
is over. The affair is very simple, and the horse may be at once 
let up. It is, however, in some cases, and only in some, of so much 
benefit that the horse, being thrown l dead lame/ gets up and trots 
oif quite sound. However, ere you adopt the operation, apprise 
the owner of the risk incurred, and that it is by no means a cer- 
tain cure. Leave the choice with him, but be sure and tell him 
the opening made for the entrance and exit of the seton com- 
monly leave a blemish behind them ; and where the seton trav- 
eled, often there remains a thickening, which it may require months 
to obliterate. 

The after part of the treatment consists in merely having the 
seton daily moved to and fro, though some persons apply an active 
blister all over the parts immediately in the neighborhood of the 
seton, under the idea that the vesicatory renders the operation of 
greater efficacy, which, however, is very questionable. When pe- 
riosteotomy acts at all, it mostly does so at once ; and when its 
benefits are not immediate, it is better to withdraw the seton, to 
prevent after-blemish, rather than hazard further and useless treat- 
ment by the application of a stimulant to skin already deprived 
of any connection with the deeper-seated structures. 

Division of the Flexor Tendon. 

There are so many accidents and diseases that may produce 
contraction of the flexor tendons, that we only wonder we do not 



260 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

more often meet with them, which we should certainly do, but 
that the attendants, despairing of being able to afford relief, ad- . 
vise their destruction. The operation consists in making a longi- 
tudinal incision, of about three inches in length, along the inner 
lateral edge of the tendon, dissecting each portion from its cellular 
attachments, so as to expose the nerve, artery, and tendons. This 
opening will allow the perforans to be freed from the perforatus, * 
when a division should be made by a scalpel applied to its surface. 
It is evident that this should take place below any thickening, or 
adhesions, which may have permanently connected the tendon with 
the neighboring parts. Any lesser, attachments will be broken 
through, by forcing back the foot to the just position. By Mr. 
Dick this was done ' by placing his knee against the front or pro- 
jecting part of the pastern, at the same time laying hold of the 
foot with one hand and the upper part of the leg with the other, 
and using considerable force ; and this appears to be necessary, in 
order to break any adhesions that may have formed.' The limb 
should now be placed in a poultice ; and if any fear of future con- 
traction should arise during the cure, lengthen the toe of the shoe 
proper to the foot operated on. Some slow exercise, after the 
first week, may be allowed, but previously to that the horse should 
be confined to a stall, during which the bowels must be kept open 
with mashes. 

Amputations. 

These have been hitherto confined principally to the tail, the 
ears, and other parts of minor importance in the animal frame ; 
but veterinary surgery now takes a wider field, and the extremi- 
ties are amputated with a certainty of making horned cattle still 
serviceable for the purpose of yielding milk ; and, Avithout doubt, 
the same might be done with the brood-mare or stallion, particu- 
larly in fractures of the fore extremities. 

Professor Dick, of the Edinburgh Veterinary College, furnishes 
a case, sent to him by one of his pupils, to the following effect : 
' I performed amputation upon a cow on the 7th of July. After 
having properly secured the animal, and applied a torniquet above 
the carpus, I made a circular incision through the integuments 
round the leg, a little below the carpus; and, having separated 
the skin so as to allow of its being pushed up a little, I cut through 
the sinews, and lastly sawed off the stump. The parts are now 



SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 261 

completely whole, although she has been going at grass all the 
time, and, now that she has got the advantage of a cork stump, 
makes a wonderful shift for herself, and yields a good supply of 
milk to her owner.' 

Mr. Dick also notices another case of amputation of the fore-leg 
of a two-year old heifer ; and of a third, where the hind leg was 
removed above the tarsus. Such operations have occasionally oc- 
curred from time immemorial, with a few enterprising characters. 
We have heard of them, but they were mostly regarded as mere 
matters of curiosity or wonder, and, therefore, were not imitated. 
We shall, however, probably, erelong have them more common, 
in cows, at least ; for, occurring below the carpus and tarsus, they 
are as easily performed as nicking or docking; and there is no 
doubt but, were a hollow padded stump applied, such low opera- 
tions might be prudent in many cases. Fractures, with great 
comminution of bone, considerable ravages of disease within the 
foot, or extensive gangrene, are the cases which might call for am- 
putation. 

Of the method of amputation little need be added to the above. 
The principal practical points are, the fixing of a torniquet of 
sufficient force, which should be padded to make its principal 
pressure on the leading arterial trunks, while its general circumfer- 
ence will act on the smaller vessels. A ring should be cut lightly 
below the intended place of operation, only through the integu- 
ments, which, when separated from their cellular adhesions for 
about six inches, should be turned back; and a circular incision 
may then be made through the muscles, etc., taking up by liga- 
ture such vessels, both venous and arterial, as display a disposition 
for much hemorrhage. The section thus made, free the bone from 
the soft parts by the scalpel, where the adherences are very inti- 
mate, and, having, by means of a crucial bandage, retracted the 
soft parts altogether above the bone, saw it through. Finally, 
effectually secure the principal vessels, when, bringing the soft 
parts and skin over the bone, retain them there by proper ban- 
daging, which suffer to remain without disturbance until the third 
or fourth day. 

Amputation of the Penis. — Amputation of the penis is not un- 
known among us. It has been performed several times, and it is 
found that no canula is necessary to keep open the urethra, the force 
of the urinary flow breaking down any incipient cicatrization of its 



262 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

orifice. The sheath is first forced back, and the penis brought 
forward to its greatest possible extent. Whatever portion it is 
intended to remove is now cut through, by means of an ampu- 
tating knife, when the remainder is retracted within the sheath, 
and little hemorrhage has afterward occurred, except at the time 
of passing the urine ; but there appears'to have been no alarming 
quantity of blood lost. 

Amputation of the Tail, or Docking. — We are most happy to 
state this filthy and unnecessary operation is now discarded. It 
never consisted of more than the cutting off a portion of the 
stump with brute force, and the cruel application afterward of a 
hot iron to the small artery of the tail. 

Nicking. 

We should be grateful that this barbarous and dangerous pro- 
cess is no longer numbered among the necessary operations. It is 
so beset with accidents, which no skill or prudence can prevent, 
that no one who has a free will ought to mutilate a horse by 
nicking. 

Firing. 

The practice of firing was not always confined to quadrupeds. 
On the contrary, it probably was first used on man ; and to this 
day, in many countries, it is a very popular remedy among human 
surgeons. In India it is applied over the abdomen for the cure 
of scirrhosity of the liver. 

Firing, in veterinary practice, has, by Mr. Coleman's pupils, 
been justified as only men will justify a favorite operation, the 
virtues of which have been impressed upon their minds by an elo- 
quent teacher. When Coleman was the chief of the veterinary 
profession, firing, under his rule, was used for any and every 
occasion. It was ridiculously supposed to act as a permanent 
bandage, as if a few strokes with a heated iron could destroy the 
elastic property inherent in the skin. It was the favorite styptic 
of these practitioners, and was applied to arteries (as of the tail) 
as though it possessed within itself some medicinal virtue. It 
was used to promote absorption, as in callus; and was likewise 
resorted to for checking absorption, as in ulceration. It was called 
into action to promote granulation, in broken knees ; and was also a 



SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 263 

favorite agent to check granulations, when they were too luxuriant. 
In short, there was no folly which a hot iron did not cover. It 
has now, happily, fallen into disuse. Most modern practitioners 
will now confess that their chief reason for exercising the iron is 
to satisfy the proprietor, not to benefit the animal. After such 
an acknowledgment, who would submit to have his patient ser- 
vant's skin scored and burnt with red-hot metal ? 

The mode of cauterization differs according to circumstances. 
As a general rule, it ought, of course, to be applied in the direc- 
tion of the hair, by which the blemish is lessened ; but this rule 
can not be arbitrarily followed, although it ought to do away with 
all the false pride of displaying the taste in the figures scored upon 
a prostrate beast. The Veterinary College recommends that the 
limbs be always fired in perpendicular lines ; others advocate all 
manner of fanciful marks. Some cast the horse ; many surgeons 
perform standing. The irons used are of various shapes and di- 
mensions. Some recommend the firing, of all things, to be very 
light ; others persist there is no virtue in hot iron unless it burns 
very deep. The operation consists in having irons of some sub- 
stance made red-hot, and then drawing them mechanically along, 
or twisting them about upon the skin. The figures are various ; 
so is the depth of the incision. Both must be decided by the taste, 
judgment, or heartlessness of the operator. 

Blistering. 

This is an operation of very great utility, and is, perhaps, com- 
pared with its benefits and importance, the safest that is performed. 
When a vesicatory becomes absorbed through the pores of the 
skin, it inflames the sensible cutis underneath, the consequence of 
which is, an infusion of serum through the part, which, in the 
human subject, elevates the cuticle into a bladder equal to the sur- 
face inflamed, but in the horse, from the greater tenacity of the 
cuticular connections, it becomes separated in the form of small 
distinct vesicles only. If the irritating cause be quickly removed, 
the serum may be reabsorbed, and the surface restored by a slight 
effort of adhesive inflammation. If the irritant act in a still 
minor degree, it simply irritates the vessels of the cutis to an in- 
filtration of fluid through the sensible pores, but produces no 
desquamation of cuticle. Such has been called a sweating blister. 



264 DADDS VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

But when, by continued irritation, the cutis is exposed, suppura- 
tion succeeds, and the part is fully blistered. 

The salutary action of blisters is exerted in several ways — in 
promoting absorption, in combating deep-seated inflammations, 
and in aiding others. As a stimulus to the absorbents, they act 
beneficially in the removal of injurious deposits, as the coagula 
remaining after inflammatory lesions ; but it is to be remarked 
that when any existing deposit is of long continuance, or is osse- 
ous, it requires that the action of the vesicatory be kept up. 
Mercurial blisters have been thought to have a superior influence 
in accelerating absorption. Mercurials, rubbed in some weeks or 
days previously to blistering, are certainly great assistants, and 
should always be employed in the treatment of obstinate osseous 
or ligamentary enlargements. Blisters are very important aids in 
inflammatory affections, as counter-irritants, derived from a law 
in the animal economy, that two inflammations seldom exist in 
the vicinity of each other ; therefore, when such an affection has 
taken place in any part, and we wish to remove it, we attempt to 
raise an artificial inflammation in the neighborhood by means of 
blisters, which, if persevered in, destroy, or at least lessen, the 
original one. Occasionally, also, we blister the immediate inflamed 
part, with an intention to hasten the suppurative process by in- 
creasing the activity of the vessels, as in deep-seated abscesses, and 
also in those which attack glandular parts. We therefore employ 
blisters to hasten the maturation of the tumors in strangles. 
When the flagging powers vascillate between resolution and sup- 
puration, as they often do in the phlegmonous inflammations of 
glandular or of deep-seated parts, blisters may either hasten the 
resolution, or they may add their influence to the attempted sup- 
puration, and thus bring it to maturity. But we carefully avoid, 
in other cases, applying a vesicant to a part immediately in a state 
of active inflammation. Particularly we should avoid what is too 
often done, that of blistering over the tendons, ligaments, and ar- 
ticulatory surfaces of a tumid limb, laboring under a congested 
state of the parts from excess of vascular action. Here we should 
do great injury were we to blister, by causing a greater deposit 
of lymph, and by hastening its organization into an injurious bond 
of union between the inflamed parts. 

The vesicatory, or blister, for general use in veterinary medi- 
cine, as a simple stimulant, should be principally composed of 



SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 265 

Spanish flies. Cheaper substitutes are used, but they irritate vio- 
lently. In extensive inflammatory affections, they are, on this 
account, perfectly inadmissible ; and wherever a case requires any 
thing more, it will be noted. The mode of blistering with the 
Spanish fly is sufficiently known. The hair should be cut or shorn 
as close as possible from around the part; the blistering matter 
should then be well rubbed in for ten or fifteen minutes. If the 
pasterns and fetlocks are the parts to be blistered, previous to rub- 
bing in the ointment, smear some lard, tallow, or melted suet over 
the heels, and within the hollow at the back of the small pastern. 
This will often prevent some troublesome sores forming, from the 
blistering ointment falling on these sensitive parts. While a blis- 
ter is acting, the litter should be removed from under the feet, or 
it will tickle the legs and irritate ; but, above all, the head ought 
to be most carefully secured, for two days and nights, to oppose 
lying down, more especially to prevent the horse biting the blis- 
tered part. On the third evening he may be permitted to repose ; 
but a prevention should even then be continued, by means of what 
is called a cradle. This apparatus may be bought at every turn- 
ing shop, or may be made of eight or ten pieces of round wood, 
an inch and a half in diameter, and two feet long. These are 
strung at each end on a rope, and fastened around the neck. 
When it is intended to blister repeatedly, the effects of the first 
should have subsided before the second is applied, the scurf and 
scabs also be cleared away, and the part well washed with soap 
and water. In all cases, the third or fourth day after the applica- 
tion the part should be thoroughly painted over, by means of a 
long-haired brush (such as are in use with pastry-cooks to glaze 
their crusts), with lead liniment, which should be repeated every 
day. And when it is proposed to turn a horse out, it should never 
be done until the whole blistered surface be quite healed ; other- 
wise dirt, flies, etc., may prove hurtful. 

It remains to observe that, instead of repeated active blistering, 
it is, in some cases, preferable to keep up a continual slight irrita- 
tion on the original blister by means of stimulants, as iodine oint- 
ment, mild blistering applications, etc. Caution is, however, 
necessary, to avoid forming an eschar, and thereby a permanent 
blemish ; but when a blemish is not of consequence, this plan will 
be found often more efficacious than firing, as in splints, spavins, 
etc. Some practitioners blister mildly one day, and on the next 



266 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

wash off the blistering matter, thereby saving loss of hair ; but 
there is more of apparent than real good in this plan. If a blis- 
ter be necessary, it requires all its activity. 

Ammoniacal blister. — Spanish flies are only efficacious when the 
animal can afford to wait their action, which is rather slow. In 
most of the acute diseases, the horse would perish before the blis- 
ter began to rise, wherefore resort has been had to boiling water 
and red-hot iron. The action of these last coarse and brutal 
measures was alone controlled by the violence of the internal in- 
flammation, and, if the practitioner was mistaken in his estimate 
of the immediate danger, extensive and lasting blemish was the 
consequence. We have in the liquor ammonia an agent quite as 
formidable as Boiling water or heated iron, but it is rather longer 
in displaying its force ; wherefore, it allows time for watching its 
action, and of checking it the instant it has sufficiently blistered 
the skin. It is true the liquor ammonia upon the skin can not be 
removed, neither need it be counteracted. Ammonia is like steam, 
only powerful when confined. The ordinary soap liniment, if 
covered over, would, because of the ammonia it contains, produce 
a lasting blemish ; but every veterinary surgeon knows how very 
harmless a preparation that is when simply rubbed upon the sur- 
face. So, when we desire the active effects of liquor ammonia, we 
double a blanket or rug four or five times and hold it over the 
liquid. It takes from ten to twenty minutes to raise a blister, and 
it consequently can, from time to time, be observed ; and when its 
action has reached the wished-for point, all we have to do, effectu- 
ally to stop it, is to take away the rug or blanket. That removed, 
the free surface and the heat of the body occasions the ammoniacal 
vapor to be dispersed, and the animal is safe. 

Rowelling. 

Rowels acts as foreign substances within the body. They cause 
irritation and suppuration, whereby more deep-seated inflamma- 
tions are supposed to be removed. They are, however, often very 
convenient, because they stand as sign-boards to show the proprie- 
tor that something has been done. The common mode of making 
a rowel is after the following manner: A slit is first made by 
means of the rowel scissors, on any part of the integuments, held 
between the finger and thumb. "With the handle of the scissors 



SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 267 

separate from its cellular connections a circle of two or three inches 
in diameter, into which introduce something to prevent the reunion 
of the skin. A piece of circular leather, tolerably stiff, with a cen- 
tral hole, is a very common substance used, but is objected to by 
some on account of the difficulty of changing it without injuring 
the skin. Tow, as more pliant, is frequently introduced into this 
cavity. If the rowel runs freely, it should be dressed every day, 
by changing the plug, if of tow, and by cleansing it, if of leather. 
No rowel should go undressed beyond the second day, for the com- 
fort of the horse. They are very favorite applications with far- 
riers, and frequently abused by being employed indiscriminately, 
but are falling into disuse, setons having almost superseded them. 
Setons, in their action, resemble a very mild form of rowel, but 
are more convenient in their application. There is hardly a part 
of the body where a seton may not be conveniently placed. They 
have been put around the eye ; they have also been entered at the 
withers, and brought out between the humerus and the sternum, 
so extensive or so diminutive can they be made. In sinuous ulcers 
of the withers and of the neck they may be placed ; through the 
heels, in foot diseases, they have been inserted. In cavernous 
sores, they are entered at the sifperior part, and are brought out at 
an inferior, so as to form a depending orifice. The formation of a 
seton is very simple. A skein of thread, or a piece of tape, of a 
convenient size, may be used. At the one end place a large knot ; 
arm the eye of a corresponding-sized seton-needle with the free end 
of the tape ; introduce this into any proposed part, and, bringing 
it out at some other, either make a second knot, or tie the two ends 
of the tape together ; which last method of fastening is, however, 
often objected to, from the danger of its catching in something and 
being torn out, to the disfigurement of the horse. When a seton 
is placed in a sinuous track, for the purpose of inflaming, it is 
moved twice a day, frequently, and moistened each time with 
some stimulant, as oil of turpentine, tincture of aloes and of ben- 
jamin. All setons require daily cleaning and moving. When 
they are required to act more quickly, the tape is infused in tere- 
binthinate of cantharides, or small pieces of black hellebore are 
sewn within it. An old material, composed of woollen, flax, or 
cotton and hair, is also used instead of tape. Setons, however, 
are of small service in acute cases. They are chiefly in use for 
disturbances of a chronic description. 



268 dadd's veterinary medicine and surgery. 

Abstraction of Blood, or Bleeding (Arteriotomy.) 

Blood is abstracted by opening the conducting vessels, arterial 
and venous. When taken from arteries, the process is called 
arteriotomy; when by the latter, phlebotomy. Some bleedings 
include both these operations, as general scarifications of the soft 
parts, bleeding at the toe point, divisions of the vessels of the cor- 
nea, etc. Blood-letting is called local when it is practiced on or 
very near the affected part; and it is supposed to act more immedi- 
ately than general bleeding because it produces more effect with the 
loss of less blood. Local bleeding is, therefore, usually practiced 
on the minor branches of the arteries and veins, as on the tem- 
poral artery, the plate vein, the vena saphena, etc. Leeches are 
a means of local bleeding not often used by us in veterinary prac- 
tice ; but there is no reason whatever why they should not be em- 
ployed. When applied to the eye, and occasionally to other parts, 
also, they adhere readily, abstracting blood rapidly, and, there- 
fore, might be valuable aids in violent local inflammation. Cup- 
ping is also practiced, in France and other parts of the Continent, 
with very large glasses, and it is there supposed to act remedially 
in many local inflammations. By general bleeding we under- 
stand the depletion of the system at large, and this we practice in 
extensive inflammations. 

Division of the temporal artery. — The proper spot for either its 
puncture or division is directly where the vessel leaves the parotid 
gland, to curve upward and forward around the jaw, a little be- 
low its condyle. When it is punctured, it usually affords much 
blood ; and in such case, enough having been obtained, divide the 
trunk, when, the receding portions becoming pressed by the in- 
teguments, and lessening by their own contractility, the hemor- 
rhage is stopped. It should be punctured by a lancet; a fleam 
may fix itself in the bone. Its division can be readily made, also, 
either by a lancet or scalpel. 

Bleeding by the palate is also a species of arterio-phlebotomy, 
and is a very favorite spot for abstracting blood with most igno- 
rant persons, who vehemently recommend it in spasmodic colic or 
gripes, and in megrims. In such cases, however, a want of knowl- 
edge of the anatomy of the parts has occasioned a serious hemor- 
rhage to occur ; it may prove a fatal one if the artery proper to the 
part be divided incompletely. The palatine artery and nerve run 



SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 269 

near each other, on each side of the roof of the mouth, so as to 
divide the inner surface of the hard palate into three nearly equal 
portions. No other than a direct division of the vein should ever 
be made; therefore, when bleeding is determined on at this place, 
do it by plunging a lancet or even a penknife in a direct line 
across the rugse, one inch within the mouth, exactly between the 
middle and second nippers. There these vessels form a curve, 
which curve will be divided, and will then yield three or four 
pints of blood. If the instrument enter too much on one side, as 
about the middle of the second nipper, then a partial and longi- 
tudinal division of the artery may be made, and an alarming hem- 
orrhage may follow. In this case, the section must be enlarged 
and deepened inwardly — that is, away from the teeth — which com- 
pletely severs the vessel, and its retraction will stop the hem- 
orrhage. A moderate or slight flow of blood from the palate may 
be obtained by light scarifications of the rugee. But all bleedings 
here, except under circumstances of the most urgent necessity, had 
better be avoided. 

Bleeding by the toe is also arterio-phlebotomy. By no means 
cut out a portion of the sole at the point of the frog, which fre- 
quently occasions abscess; but, with a very fine drawing-knife, 
cut down exactly in the line of union between the crust and the 
sole ; then, by puncturing the part with a lancet, a vast flow of 
blood may be obtained, the benefits of which, in some cases, are 
very marked, particularly in acute founder. If the blood should 
not flow with sufficient freedom, place the foot in warm water. 
The bleeding finished, cover the puncture with some tow and a 
little tar, and lightly tack on the shoe. There are, however, other 
methods of bleeding from the toe. Mr. Maver uses a drawing- 
knife with a long curve, so that one sweep of the blade may cut a 
piece out of the foot. This appears to us bad practice, as it leaves 
Nature a space to fill up, instead of a simple incised wound to 
heal. Others take away none of the horn, but merely make a slit 
through the outer covering on to the vascular portion of the foot. 
The flap of horn they hold up, so long as they desire blood, by the 
insertion of a piece of wood ; and when they have obtained blood 
enough, they take out the wood, so as to let the horny flap down. 
This last method, of all others, appears to us the easiest and the 
best. 

Sometimes the plantar vein is opened as a substitute. Scarifi- 



270 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

cations are, also, occasionally practiced, which, of course, divide 
both venous and arterial branches. In France extensive scarifi- 
cations used to be made into indurations before the suppurative 
process had commenced, which, in some cases, prevented that 
from going on, and the remedial wounds made were healed by 
adhesive inflammation, or by healthy granulation. The same 
method has also been occasionally practiced here, but it is not 
now often attempted. 

Phlebotomy, or the puncture of a venous branch, is the most 
usual mode of drawing blood in veterinary practice, and may be 
employed on any point of the body ; but some vessels are much 
more frequently opened than others, and most of all the jugular 
vein. 

Bleeding by the thigh vein. — The saphena is a prominent vein, 
continued from the inner part of the hock, and may be opened by 
the fleam, but with much greater safety and propriety by a lancet. 
The opposite leg being held up, the operator, placing himself in 
front of the thigh, and steadying himself and the horse by placing 
one hand on the hock, may fix the vein with the little finger of the 
other, while the lancet, held between the thumb and fore-finger, 
punctures it. This vein should never be opened save upon abso- 
lute necessity, as it is often troublesome to pin up. A horse has 
been cast for the trivial matter of stopping the hemorrhage. 

Bleeding from the plate vein. — This vein is frequently opened to 
abstract blood after injuries of the fore extremities. 

The superficial brachial vein is a continuation of the superficial 
division of the metacarpal veins, and in the passage upward receives 
more than one branch. Its principal trunk ascends along the inner 
side of the radius. It may also be well to remark that, when taking 
blood from the superficial veins of the arm or fore-arm, if any diffi- 
culty is experienced in obtaining a sufficient flow, the lifting up of 
the other leg, by throwing the muscles of the punctured one into 
action, will force the blood from the inner to the outer set, and an 
increased quantity may be obtained. The plate vein, or external 
thoracic, is often opened, as it emerges from behind the arm, and 
is pinned up without any difficulty. 

Bleeding by the jugular vein. — The situation of this important 
vessel is well known, but its internal connections are not so fa- 
miliar, though such knowledge is essential to the uniform safety of 
the operation. The horse has only external jugular veins, a right 



SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 271 

and a left one. As each emerges from the chest, it is found deep- 
seated, and approaching the trachea. It then passes forward, in 
company with the external carotid artery. Toward the middle 
of the neck it becomes more superficial, and is now distinctly 
seen progressing rather above and without the carotid artery and 
trachea, or windpipe. The carotid, therefore, in the future course 
of the jugular, is situated a little below and more deep-seated than 
the vein. The jugular is also separated from the carotid by a 
slight muscular band, derived from the levator humeri. Its fur- 
ther track is marked in the hollow formed by the inferior edge of 
the levator humeri, where it is covered by the panniculus carnosus 
and integuments only, when, having nearly reached the jaw, it 
makes its well-known division into two portions. Bleeding by 
the jugular is usually practiced with a lancet or with a fleam. The 
proper spot for the puncture may be found anywhere between two 
inches and six from the division of the vein. This latitude is here 
mentioned, because it is prudent to avoid puncturing directly over 
a former bleeding-place, known by the scar and enlargement. It 
should also be avoided where a little knot in the course of the 
vein will sometimes denote the existence of one of the venous 
valves. But in all ordinary cases, where these hindrances do not 
appear, operate at two or three inches from the division of the 
vein, which will be sufficiently evident when it is pressed on below 
the place punctured. Avoid operating low down in the neck, as 
there the vessel is deeper-seated, and near to important parts. 

First moisten the hair and smooth it down ; then, steadying 
and enlarging the vessel with one hand, with the other plunge the 
point of the lancet into the integuments, so as just to puncture 
them and the vein ; then, by a slight turn of the wrist, carry the 
instrument obliquely forward to finish the cut. For opening the 
smaller veins, the lancet should always be used. In all but the 
practiced hand the fleam is the safest for bleeding from the jugu- 
lar. It is always prudent to have the eye of the horse covered. 
Unless the eye be covered, the horse will be likely to flinch at the 
moment of the stroke, and the puncture may be made in any place 
but where we wish. The hair being first wetted and smoothed, 
and the fleam being retained in the left hand, the unemployed 
fingers pressing on the vein so as to fix and swell the vessel, let 
the point rest exactly in the middle of the swelling. Strike the 
fleam sufficiently hard to penetrate the skin and vein. A blood- 



272 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

stick is preferable for the purpose of striking the fleam. There is 
a vibration between two hard bodies when they meet, which, in 
this instance, is favorable to a quick and moderate puncture of the 
vein. After the vein has been opened, moderate pressure with the 
edge of the can which catches the blood is sufficient to keep up 
the flow. It may also be encouraged by putting a finger within 
the horse's mouth. The requisite quantity of blood being drawn, 
remove the can. The remaining process of securing the vessel 
is of equal importance. The sides of the orifice are first to be 
brought in opposition, without pinching them, and without draw- 
ing them from the vein. The same cautions should also be ob- 
served when the pin is introduced. Let it be small, with an 
irregular point, and, when inserted, wrap around it a few hairs 
or a little tow. 

Common, however, as this operation is, and qualified as every 
one thinks himself to perform it, yet there are very serious acci- 
dents which do arise occasionally? It has occurred that the carotid 
artery has become penetrated. When the puncture has been made 
through the vein^ the accident is known immediately by the forci- 
ble and pulsatory gush of florid arterial and dark venous blood 
together. In one instance of this kind, which occurred to a French 
practitioner, he immediately thrust his finger into the opening 
through the vein, and thus plugged up the artery, intending to 
wait for assistance. In this state he remained, we believe, an 
hour or more, when, removing his finger, to his surprise, he found 
the hemorrhage had ceased, and did not again return. In another 
case, where an English practitioner accidentally opened the carotid, 
he placed a compress on the orifice, and had relays of men to hold 
it there for forty-eight hours, when it was found the bleeding had 
stopped. 

The admission of air is also another serious accident that now 
and then attends bleeding. It sometimes happens from the sudden 
removal of the fingers or blood-can, or whatever was used to dis- 
tend the vessel by obstructing the return of the blood. This, being 
suddenly taken away, allows the escape of the blood toward the 
heart, and occasions a momentary vacuum, the air being heard to 
rush with a gurgling noise into the vein through the orifice; it 
then mixes with the blood, and occasions, in some instances, almost 
immediate death. The animal begins to tremble ; he next staggers, 
and finally falls in a state of convulsion. If the quantity of air 



SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 



273 



taken in has been considerable, death ensues. The remedy must, 
therefore, be instantaneous, and consists in again opening the ori- 
fice, or making a new one, to gain an immediate renewed flow of 
blood, which will, in most cases, renovate the horse, who has been 
found afterward to be tormented with an intolerable itching." * 



* Blaine's "Outlines; 




18 



SECTION" X. 

DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND SUB-TISSUES. 

Itch and Mange — Lice on Animals — Grease and Scratches — Surfeit — Drop- 
sical Limbs — Scarletin a — Ringworm — Prurigo — Pole-evil — Fistulous 
Withers — AVarts on the Skin — Purpura Hemorrhagica — Out of condi- 
tion — Hide-bound— Herpes. 



Itch and Mange. 

ITCH, mange, and scabies are essentially local affections of the 
skin, and are occasioned by the presence of parasites known 
as " sarcoptes-equi." The eruption ensuing on the skin of a horse, 

when subject to this affection, is very- 
similar to the appearance of itch in man, 
and probably is just as tormenting to 
the animal as in the case of his master. 
Numerous cases are recorded of trans- 
mission of itch from horse to man, and, 
when so acquired, it is impossible to dis- 
tinguish it from the human itch. Some 
persons suffer severely when attending 
mangy horses, but a clean person or clean 
horse are not apt to take the disease. It 
is well known that a healthy and clean 
horse may stand for weeks near a mangy 
one without taking the disease, showing, 
very conclusively, that the best preventive measures are those 
which promote health and cleanliness. As the English groom 
says, " plenty of elbow-grease, by means of brush and curry-comb, 
on the skin of the horse ; regular daily exercise, pure air in the 
stable, and a sufficiency of good digestible food are sovereign 
remedies against itch and mange." This, we presume, is all the 
(274) 




ACARUS, OR RAIlCnPTES-F.QTII, THE 
ITCH PARASITE (.MAGNIFIED). 



1 .CEASES OF THE SKIN AND SUB-TISSUES. 275 

reader wants to know with reference to the cause of itch and 
mange. 

Symptoms. — When a horse is affected with this malady, in either 
of the forms here named, the owner's attention will be aroused 
by the animal rubbing himself, whenever he can get a fair ehance 
to do so; and, should the limbs or heels be affected, he will rub 
the-«fore-legs one against the other, and, at night, will constantly 
strike the floor with his hind extremities. The hair looks un- 
thrifty, has lost its gloss, and does not lay smooth on the body. 
It falls off in patches, and an eruption is observed similar to the 
appearance of itch on man, yet not so distinctly recognized. A 
few pimples, scabs, and a slight reddening of the parts is all that 
may, perhaps, be seen. The skin of some horses, however, is 
more vascular and more delicately organized than others. In the 
latter case the disease is more marked, creates greater irritation, 
and the nervous system suffers more from sympathetic irritability 
than in the case of an animal having a coarse and comparatively 
insensible "hide." In addition to these symptoms, the affected 
animal will be observed to be more or less fractious and unman- 
ageable. 

Treatment. — The disease being of a local character, requires 
topical (local) remedies, and the best medicine is that which most 
quickly destroys the life of the itch parasite. It has been found 
that preparations of creosote kill the parasite in a few seconds, 
and Gerlach recommends the following preparation : 

No. 28. Creosote 2| oz. 

Spirits of wine 15 oz. 

Water 40 oz. 

Previous to the application of this, the same authority advises 
that the horse be smeared all over the body with soft soap, wash- 
ing it off some time afterward with warm water, and having the 
animal well brushed; or a wash may be afterward used, consist- 
ing of one part of caustic potass to fifty parts of water ; or, lastly, 
greasing the animal with linseed oil, train oil, etc., and, one or 
two days afterward, washing with soap and water or potash ley ; 
then apply the preparation of creosote. 

The cheapest, and probably the safest, plan of treatment, and 
that which has proved most successful in the practice of the author, 
is as follows : 



276 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

No. 29. Unslaked lime 1 lb. 

Flour of sulphur 2 lbs. 

Water 12 pts. 

Put these ingredients in a stone jar, set it on the stove, or in 
a regular water-bath, until it boils. During the interval, the 
mixture must be constantly stirred, both in view of insuring a 
complete mixture, and of keeping the lime and sulphur from- de- 
positing in the bottom of the jar ; for, should this occur, the jar 
will crack. The mixture must be stirred with a wooden spatula 
or glass rod. Keep the mixture boiling for about ten or fifteen 
minutes ; then set it aside for twelve hours, at the end of which 
time pour off the clear liquor, bottle tightly, and cork the bottles. 
These should be put away in a dark closet, as the mixture soon 
decomposes when exposed to the sun's rays. This remedy will 
cure the itch on horses and cattle. It is, also, a sure cure when 
used on man. It is not adapted to the cure of the malady in 
sheep, as the sulphur is supposed to be injurious to wool. The 
only objection to its use is, that it has a very unpleasant odor — 
smells like sulphureted hydrogen. Before applying this mixture, 
the animal should be thoroughly washed with warm water and 
common brown soap; then wipe the animal dry, and apply the 
sulphur mixture, by means of a sponge. One application, if 
properly applied, will usually suffice to kill the parasites. Should 
it fail in the first instance, a reapplication will do no harm, as 
the preparation is perfectly inocuous. 

Scabies is to be treated in the same manner; in fact, all diseases 
of the skin, supposed to be dependent on the presence of parasites, 
are to be treated after this fashion. Gerlach, of the Royal Ve- 
terinary School of Berlin, has made a series of experiments with 
various remedies for the destruction of the itch parasite, and the 
following table shows the result of his labors : 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND SUB-TISSUES. 



277 



1.20. 
..24. 
l."24. 



Creosote, pure , 

Creosote, 1 part") 
Spirit, 10 parts V 
Water, 30 parts J 
Creosote 1 part \ 
Water, 80 parts J 

Creosote With fat j 1 "f 

( 1 
Creosote with oil j j^g 

Iodine, tincture of, pure 

Iodine, tincture of, with water, 1.4. 
Iodide of potassium with water,. 1.2. 
Iodide of potassium with water, 1.4 
Caustic potash, 1 part ; 24 do. 
Caustic potash, 1 part "1 
Water, 10 parts I 

Tar, 2 " | 

Hartshorn oil, 2 " J 
Caustic potash, 1 part 
Water, 16 parts 

Tar, 2 " 

Hartshorn oil, 2 " 

Sulphuret of f with watei - , 1.10 

potassium \ with oil, 1.10 

Chloride of lime with water, 1.30 

Hartshorn oil, pure 

Hartshorn oil, with water, 1.10 

Oil of turpentine 

Barbadoes tar 

Tar (Pix liquida) 

("pure 

Photogen ■{ (1.5 

(with oil < 

U-io 

Concentrated vinegar, pure 

Concentrated vinegar, with water 1.1 

Acetic acid with water, 1.1 

Concentrated sulphuric acid J 1.24 

with water { 1.48 



Decoction of tobacco 



(1.5.. 
J, 1.10. 
(.1.50 . 



Tessier's arsenical bath. 



Mathieu's arsenical bath., 



Over-saturated solution of arsenic in 
water 1.6 



Green soap.. 



Liquor ammonia 

Solution of corrosive sublimate, 10 \ 
grains, one ounce j 

Infusions of henbane, belladonna, f 
and Persian insect powder, 1.16 j 

Decoction of black and white helle- ) 
bore, 1.16 / 

Infusion of digatalis, 1.16 , 

Walz's ley, containing caustic pot- ) 
ash, hartshorn oil, and tar J 



Dead in 
Hours. Minutes. 



2-5 
4-10 



2-3 






12-16 

6-36 
24-36 
6-48 



74T72 

2-2^ 

3K-7 

5^-9 

1-2 

4-6 

9 

20-26 

2-2M 

1M 



7-12 



15-30 



15-30 
3-4 
30 
5-9 
5-9 
8-13 
7 



1-1% 

2-3% 

2 

7-8 
32-35 
10-20 



15-16 



15-45 



Observations. 



Mathieu. 



J Were living 7 hours after 
\ immersion. 



C Mathieu. 

J White arsenic, 1 part. 
] Sulphate of iron, 10 parts. 
[ Water, 100 parts. 

{Mathieu. 
White arsenic, 1 part. 
Alum, 10 parts. 
Water, 100 parts. 
Hertwig. 

f A dilute solution does 
t not kill. 

Hertwig. 
Hertwig. 



278 dadd's veterinary medicine and surgery. 

The Skin Diseases of Domestic Animals. 

A celebrated writer on the diseases of the skin of domesticated 
animals, thus discourses on the subject: 

" Few topics have engaged the attention of the successful breeder 
of our improved domesticated animals more than skin diseases pro- 
duced by insects, in consequence of the manner in which both the 
breeding and feeding qualities of stock are affected by them. This 
arises from the little progress scientific inquiry has experimentally 
made in the physiology of these tiny parasites by means of the 
microscope, and the consequent paucity of reliable scientific works 
on the subject. Hitherto half the conclusions of our veterinary 
surgeons relative to their natural history have been drawn from the 
traditionary philosophy of our forefathers, and not from actual ex- 
amination, either with the eye of the modern physiologist or mor- 
bid anatomist; while our entomologists have had too much to do 
to overtake the branches of zoological science, to fill their cabinets 
with specimens of the class in question — a class far more varied 
than the kingdom itself, every different race of animals being not 
only infested with a different brood of insects (mites), but almost 
every organic substance, animal and vegetable. 

A very superficial, acquaintance with these facts must convince 
the reader of the importance of the lecture on this subject, de- 
livered by Professor Simonds, before the council of the Royal 
Agricultural Society of England, accompanied with drawings, 
exhibited on the wall, and specimens under his microscope. The 
former, drawn to a greatly magnified scale, illustrated, in a very 
conspicuous manner, the different stages of vitality, from the ovum 
to the insect, in all the vigor of matured life. But to us, and 
several other members who examined them, the latter appeared 
the most interesting, as nothing can exceed the fidelity with which 
the microscope exemplifies Nature, though all but invisible to the 
naked eye, confirming, in the most satisfactory manner, the sound- 
ness of the conclusions at which the Professor arrived, differing, 
as they did, in many respects, from those hitherto drawn, .both by 
veterinary surgeons and entomologists. 

Referring to the report of Mr. Simonds' first lecture, the task 
which devolves upon us is to apply it to the daily practice of the 
farmer, so as to profit by its deductions. These were principally 
confined, it will be seen, to scabies and setrus in sheep and other 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND SUB-TISSUES. 279 

animals, with a few observations on the dog-flea (pulex canis). 
Scabies is a pestiferous disease, whether it affects the horse, the 
ox, the sheep, swine, or poultry, inflicting a loss not easily esti- 
mated ; hence the maxim of every intelligent farmer is, to avoid. 
With him "prevention is better than cure," and, therefore, his 
grand desideratum is to guard against contagion. Sheep are, per- 
haps, more subject to it than any of the other animals, arising as 
much from the nature of their skins and coats as from the fecun- 
dity of the acarus ovis, and the greater vicissitudes of the weather 
to which they (the sheep) are exposed. " Certain parts of the body 
are more liable to be affected than others ; and so is an unhealthy 
skin than a healthy one. Indeed, it has been said that an unheal- 
thy skin will itself produce scabies (?), but this conclusion does 
not appear to be well founded ; for a disease dependent upon the 
presence of living parasites can never arise spontaneously, but 
must be effected by contagion, either by means of their eggs, or 
the insect in some other stage of its existence. 

Now, from what has just been said, it will appear obvious that 
cleanliness, a healthy skin and state of the body, and a separation 
from foul animals and ground, are the means necessary to avoid 
contagion. The truth of this will, perhaps, be better understood 
if we first review the important distinctions which Mr. Simonds 
makes between the habits of the acarus scabiei of the human body 
and the acari of our domestic animals, the former burrowing in 
the skin, but the latter living on its surface, clinging to the skin, 
hair, or wool with their trumpet-shaped, vesicular-cushioned feet, 
to prevent their being thrown off by the animal when shaking or 
nibbling itself. Hitherto distinctions of this kind have been over- 
looked, writers generally concluding that the acari of quadrupeds 
burrowed in the skin like those of man, thus proving the little 
use which had been made of the microscope in examining the 
former, as it shows them to be incapable of living in the skin, 
from the configuration of their bodies. Indeed, to have made 
similar acari for naked skins as for those covered with hair, wool, 
or feathers would have been an oversight on the part of Nature ; 
while the fact that the acarus scabiei will not live on the horse, 
nor acarus equi on man, or acarus ovis on the ox, or acarus bovis 
on the sheep, and so on, proves that greater differences than the 
mere configuration of the animal structure exist, all pointing to 
the above means as necessary, in every case, to avoid so great a 



280 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

pest — one which appears to form an integral part of that curse 
inflicted on the whole creation by the fall of man. 

The importance of cleanliness, and its concomitant health, to 
prevent contagion, may be further illustrated. We have just seen 
above that an acarus, although a loathsome pest, is yet very nice 
in its taste, and particular about a nidus in which to deposit and 
hatch its eggs. It enjoys the highest degree of prosperity on the 
unhealthy skin, multiplying there fastest; so that if it creeps 
from it to the opposite — the sleek, healthy one of the horse or ox, 
or dry wool of the sheep — it feels itself from home, and, before it 
even reaches the skin, may be bruised or shaken oif. If, however, 
it creeps upon the unhealthy animal with its staring coat, it soon 
reaches the skin, and commences its direful work, every thing 
there being congenial to his happiness; hence the incredible 
speed at which it propagates its species, until it either consumes 
its victim alive, or is arrested at its fatal work by the timely 
unguent of the veterinary surgeon. 

Again : when a dirty animal shakes itself, as it invariably does 
after rubbing itself against any thing, less or more scurf, dan- 
druff, and dust is thrown into the atmosphere, and carried to a 
distance by high wind. Now, under such circumstances, when 
affected with scabies, it is manifest that the smallest of these puny 
insects, as well as their eggs, will be blown from one pasture to 
another; that the latter will lodge in the dirty staring coat of 
the unhealthy animal, when they will be blown off that of the 
clean sleek one, or be brushed off before they reach the skin, or 
any nidus capable of hatching them. In this manner we can 
trace contagion from one animal to another, and thus account, in 
harmony with entomological science, for what has hitherto been 
termed spontaneous cases of scabies in some of our domesticated 
animals, while others have escaped the disease, though all herd- 
ing together in one field. "We can also account for the fact why 
the disease is more liable to break out among sheep than horses 
and cattle, without coming in contact with strange flocks, because 
the coats of the latter are more likely to be impregnated with 
eggs than those of the former, while they afford a better nidus for 
hatching them. 

With regard to health, it has even been said that the blood of 
scabbed animals is diseased ; nay, that the blood of all animals is 
loaded, more or less, with the eggs of acari, and that they are 



DISEASES OF THE SK^IN AND SUB-TISSUES. 281 

hatched under certain cutaneous affections, thus accounting for 
spontaneous cases differently from the atmospheric distribution of 
eggs. Hence the reason why sulphur and mercury are taken, 
internally as well as externally, to get rid of the disease. But 
this sanguiferous doctrine of distribution is more difficult to re- 
concile with entomological science than the atmospheric one. 

Contagion by direct contact of clean animals with diseased, or 
where the former enter foul ground, will be difficult to avoid so 
long as the commerce of live farm stock is conducted as at present ; 
for diseased animals will be sent to market, although contrary to 
the spirit of the law, thus not only communicating the disease to 
all they come in contact with, but also infecting the market-place. 
According to the experiments made by Mr. Simonds, acari left 
upon a post, hurdle, or hedge by a scabbed beast will survive 
for fourteen days, and at the end of that time lay hold of any 
animal coming in contact with it, and thus communicate the dis- 
ease ; consequently our weekly and fortnightly markets are little 
better, during the warm months of summer, than nests for pro- 
pagating malignant parasites. It would be well, then, if very 
stringent statutes were enacted, confiscating all diseased animals 
offered for sale, and that microscopical examinations were enforced 
in all suspicious cases, so as to guarantee its healthy operation. 
It will thus be seen that the means for preventing contagion may 
be summed up in two words — improved management. 

At a very early period in our history, acarus scabiei was much 
more common among our forefathers than among their posterity 
of the present day. The change which has taken place is obvi- 
ously attributable to progress in dietetics, clothing, and medicine; 
and among our domesticated animals it is no more than reasona- 
ble to conclude that similar causes will produce similar effects. 
In point of fact, improved management has already greatly re- 
duced the prevalence of scabies among both our herds and flocks, 
thus holding out every encouragement to persevere in obtaining 
further progress. There is, perhaps, no branch of husbandry 
where greater advances can be made than in cattle-cookery, house- 
hold accommodation, including grooming, etc., and medicine ; and 
when we contemplate how much cutaneous diseases are dependent 
on management in each of these three respects, it were difficult to 
estimate what influence further improvements in them may have 
on the disease in question." 



282 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



Lice on Horses. 

Lice, in a majority of cases, may be attributed to want of clean- 
liness ; for they are rarely if ever seen on the body of an animal 
with clean skin. Brush and curry-comb, and clean stables, are, 
therefore, the preventives. 

A short time ago I had occasion to visit a stable, located in 
Waukegan, 111. There I saw a horse almost perfectly hairless, ex- 
cept the mane and tail. I asked the owner what occasioned the 
depilation of the hair. He informed me that the horse's body was 
completely infested with lice ; that he had tried all sorts of rem- 
edies without success, and, at last, thought he would try kerosene 
oil, and, accordingly, rubbed the body all over with it, using about 
two quarts. He said " it killed all the lice, but came very near 
killing the horse. It made him perfectly crazy ; his limbs became 
swollen to the proportions of a young elephant, and the hair all 
fell off." 

The remedy I have found most efficacious is composed of 

No. 30. Crude cod-liver oil 1 pint. 

Pulverized lobelia 2 oz. 

Mix. 

This should be thoroughly rubbed all over the body by means 
of a stiff brush; at the expiration of four hours, carefully wash 
the horse all over with soft soap and warm water. It may be 
necessary to make a second and even a third application, on suc- 
cessive days, ere the parasites are all killed. The parasites can be 
seen with the naked eye ; therefore the owner of the horse must 
be the judge as regards the number of applications needed. 

At a meeting of a Farmer's Club, "Lice" formed the subject 
for discussion. Dr. J. R. Smith explained that lice, as well as 
all similar insects, breathe through holes in the body. Thesfe 
holes are minute spiral es, constantly kept open by an elastic ring, 
and surrounded by a fringe of extremely delicate hair, which pre- 
vents the intrusion of any solid particles. To kill the insect it 
is only necessary to close these breathing-holes, and this is done 
by smearing them with any kind of grease or oil. You may 
catch a caterpillar and examine him with a magnifying glass, and 
you will find these spirulcs arranged in two rows, one on each 
side ; then, if you take a moth or butterfly, you will find the 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND SUB-TISSUES. 283 

breathing-holes in the body corresponding with those in the body 
of the caterpillar from which it was produced — the same body, in 
fact, remaining after the wings are developed. If you dip a feather 
in oil, and smear the two spirules nearest the tail, the lower por- 
tion of the body will be paralyzed so far as these holes. Proceed- 
ing upward, you may paralyze the whole body until you come to 
the last two, which are situated just below the jaws. So long as 
these remain open, the insect will continue to breathe, but if these 
are now closed, he dies immediately. To exterminate lice upon 
any animal, it is only necessary to cover the animal completely 
with grease or oil. The simplest and cheapest oil is best — lard, 
fish oil, or any other that is at hand. "When the lice have not 
become so numerous as to produce the disease known as pityriasis, 
or mange, this application, undoubtedly, is the best that can be 
used. In addition to being effective, it is perfectly harmless. 
Stock-breeders should always recollect that prevention shows wis- 
dom, and saves annoyance and expense ; and, by neatness, cleanli- 
ness and comfort, the health of the animal will be insured, and the 
animals will not become infested with the troublesome parasites. 
Poultry lice affecting horses. — Horses, when located near a hen- 
roost, are apt to be infested with poultry lice. The remedy is the 
same as in the case of the common louse. 



Diseases of the Heels (Geease, or Scratches). 

In olden times grease, or scratches, and cracked heels, were not 
only very prevalent but very formidable affections. Before 
veterinary surgeons were employed in the British Army, many 
thousands of valuable horses were condemned as useless for active 
service in consequence of the prevalence of that loathsome affec- 
tion known as inveterate grease ; but now, in consequence of the 
presence of veterinary surgeons, and the consequent improved 
system of management in camp and stable, grease is almost un- 
known. Most veterinary writers contend that grease almost 
always arises from improper management of the horse, yet I have 
seen it occur in horses that were well cared for and properly 
treated. The truth is, some horses are predisposed to affections 
of the skin of the heels and the sebaceous glands of the same; 
and, although cleanliness and good management may stave off an 
attack for a long while, yet when the system abounds in morbific 



284 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

matter, the same is very apt to gravitate toward the heels, (they 
being most remote from the center of circulation,) inducing in- 
flammation of the skin of the heels, distension of the sebaceous 
glands, and a stinking and unhealthy deposit on the surface, and 
a purulent discharge through ulcerated cracks. This constitutes 
grease. 

Cause. — It is contended by Mr. Blain and others that grease 
has local weakness for a cause. As fluids press, not in proportion 
to their diameter, but to the height of their column, the venous 
blood must find some difficulty to its ascent. Debility is, there- 
fore, more felt in the distended vessels remote from the influence 
of the heart, under which circumstance the effects productive of 
grease necessarily ensue. Some horses are constantly the sub- 
jects of swelled legs, and, if the heels happen to be accidentally 
abraded, the latter often operates as the exciting cause of a very 
formidable affection of the heels. Associated with swelled legs is 
a scurfiness of the skin beneath the fetlock. These conditions, 
together with the fact that the animal is of the lymphatic temper- 
ament (gray color), are sure indications that predisposition to 
maladies of the above character are present. Having such horses 
under our care, the chief object should be to ward off an attack, by 
dietetic and hygienic measures. Too much washing of the heels, 
without drying them by rubbing, is just about as bad as if the 
filth was allowed to remain. The practice chills the part by a pro- 
cess of slow evaporation, and the result is local congestion, etc. 

I now propose to illustrate, for the benefit of the reader, 
the treatment of grease or scratches. I was requested to see 
a gray gelding, the property of the Transfer Company of St. 
Louis. On arrival, I examined the animal, and found him to be 
a large, flabbily-organized creature, having a large amount of 
loose tissue under the skin. I found that there was a bad odor 
arising from some ulcerations and exudations about the heels and 
sides of the same. Intermediate of the ulcers were dry, horny 
scabs ; the hair about the parts pointed straight out ; the heel was 
excessively tender, quite vascular, and blood escaped from its 
vessels. The moment a hand was placed upon the locality, the 
animal would catch up the limb and appear to suffer much pain. 

Treatment. — In the first place, I had the parts well cleansed 
with soap and water ; then, after wiping them dry, they were wet- 
ted, three times daily, with a portion of the following solution: 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND SUB-TISSUES. 285 

No. 31. Nitrate of potass (saltpeter) 2 oz. 

Water 1 pt. 

Glycerine 4 oz. 

Every time the solution was applied, the parts were dusted with 
pulverized charcoal. This charcoal, completely covering the 
abraded parts, and being a good antiseptic, had an excellent effect 
in excluding atmospheric air, and in correcting feted odor. I 
administered, as an alterative, to correct the morbid habit, 

No. 32. Iodide of potass 20 gr. 

Sulphur 4 dr. 

Powdered sassafras bark 2 dr. 

Gentian <■ 1 dr. 

These were mixed in food, and the same quantity was given 
during a period of four days, and the dressings were also contin- 
ued. On the fifth day the animal had very much improved, stood 
fair on the foot, and seemed to suffer but very little pain. The 
limb was somewhat swollen, partly from want of use, and other- 
wise from slight effusion into the cellular tissue. I discontinued 
the medicine, and ordered the following mixture, to be applied 
twice daily: 



No. 33. 



Pyroligneous acid ) , , 

Coal oil j equal parts. 



After each application the oharcoal was reapplied. 

The following case serves to illustrate that the virus of grease 
can be transmitted from horse to man : 

Transmission of the Virus of Grease from the Horse to Man. — 
Drs. Maunoury and Pichot have published an interesting series 
of experiments, tending to prove the identity of grease and cow- 
pox. This doctrine, which was always maintained by Jenner, 
has received confirmation from the observations of Loy, Godine, 
and others. The following is a summary of the facts, related by 
Drs. Maunoury and Pichot : 

" Francis Barthelemy B , aged twenty-eight, of lymphatic 

temperament, a farrier, presented himself to Dr. Pichot on the 
5th of March, 1856. He had not been vaccinated. On the backs 
of his hands, which were red and swollen, were several confluent 
opaline pustules, depressed in their center, and having all the 
appearance of vaccine pustules of the eight or ninth day. The 
inflammation with which the pustules were surrounded had ap- 



286 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

peared on the second; the pustules themselves preceded the in- 
flammation some days. This man had not been in contact with 
any cow, but on the 11th of February he had shod a horse suffer- 
ing from grease. There existed, at the time, numerous cracks 
about the hands. The disease from which the horse was suffering 
was certified by a qualified veterinarian. Various inoculations 
were practiced with the liquid taken from the pustules presented 

by B , with the effect of reproducing the same disease. The 

most perfect set of experiments were made by M. Maunoury, who 
transmitted the virus through four sets of cases. The following 
are the results of his observations : 

1. That virus obtained from the hands of the farrier B , 

and inoculated on the arm of an infant, produced a full pustule, 
having all the character of a vaccine pustule — form, evolution, 
termination. 

2. That lymph taken from this pustule, and inoculated on the 
arm of three persons, had produced identical pustules, which are 
truly vaccine. 

3. That the transmission of the virus by successive generations 
has not diminished the intensity of the force of the poison. One 
of the set of cases presented large pustules, depressed in the center, 
and filled with matter • each pustule served for several inocu- 
lations and the charging of several sets of glasses. 

4. That from these facts it is evident that the virus taken from 
the pustules of the farrier was identical with the vaccine." * 

Surfeit. 

The term surfeit is used to designate an eruptive affection of 
the skin, which usually makes its appearance very suddenly. 
There is nothing dangerous about it, and it sometimes disappears, 
in the course of a few hours, without any medical treatment. . It 
usually appears in warm weather, and especially among horses 
that are in a state of plethora, from the use of a large quantity 
of meal, or what is known as cut feed. 

Symptoms. — A horse may be taken out of the stable apparently 
in perfect health, except that he is fat, and, after being driven a 

*Generales de Medecine, April, 1857, pp. 365, 398, from the British and For- 
eign Medical Chiurgical Review. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND SUB-TISSUES. 287 

short distance, he is brought back with his neck and sides covered 
with blotches or elevations. On pressing them with the fingers 
they crepitate, showing that they are gaseous elevations or disten- 
sions, originating in the cellular tissue beneath the skin, from the 
spontaneous generation of gas. The gas probably arises from fer- 
mentation of the food, and instead of accumulating in the intes- 
tines, finds its way to the surface of the body. 

Treatment. — Dissolve two ounces of hyposulphite of soda in one 
pint of warm water, and drench the animal with the same. Then 
sponge the body with a portion of the following surfeit lotion : 

No. 34. Aqua ammonia 2 oz. 

Animal glycerine 1 oz. 

Water 1 quart. 

If taken in time, the affection will disappear in a few hours. The 
patient should be kept on bran-mashes, well salted, for a few days ; 
or a couple of weeks' run at grass, if the season permits, will be 
of great service. 

Dropsical Limbs (Swelled Legs). 

It is a very serious annoyance to the owner of a valuable horse 
to find that, after the animal has been standing in the stable for 
only a period of twelve hours, his hind limbs have wonderfully 
increased in size ; and equally mortifying is it to see some animals 
with their limbs continually tumefied, and without any other ap- 
parent sign of disease. 

Dropsy of the limbs generally proceeds from congestion. The 
serum, or more fluid part of the blood, transudes through the walls 
of the blood-vessels, and accumulates in the cellular tissue, under 
the skin. But dropsy takes place not only in consequence of 
venous congestion, but accompanies very many forms of disease, 
such as scarletina, influenza, farcy ; and the cure of such diseases 
also accomplishes the cure of' dropsy. 

Causes. — The cause of that form of dropsical limbs which 
seems to occur without any other visible disease is now the sub- 
ject for consideration. When a horse's limbs swell persistently, 
after a few hours' rest, and disappears under exercise, we may 
infer that there exists a dropsical diathesis in his system ; that, by 
virtue of his constitution, he is predisposed; and such cases are 
designated as chronic local dropsy. 



288 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Treatment. — The remedies are hand-rubbing, exercise, and stim- 
ulating liniment. The best liniment for local dropsy of this char- 
acter is as follows : 

No. 35. Fluid extract of wormwood 4 oz. 

Fluid extract of ginger 3 oz. 

Spirits of camphor 1 pint. 

Rub the region of tumefaction with a portion of this liniment 
every night. 

When swelling of the limbs do not assume a periodical char- 
acter, and suspicion of predisposition can not be entertained, then, 
in addition to the application of the liniment, give the animal, 
morning and evening, one ounce of the fluid extract of buchu. 

Scarlatina. 

Scarlet fever, or scarletina, as it occurs among horses in the 
United States, is a febrile disease of a very prostrating character ; 
yet it is not considered by the author a contagious malady. It 
has only lately, however, been recognized in this country as a dis- 
tinct equine disease, and, being of rather rare occurrence, we know 
but little about it. The cases that have come under the author's 
treatment were unattended by ulceration of the throat, and this 
may account for the non-contagion; for, in the human subject, 
when ulceration of the throat takes place, the case becomes ma- 
lignant. 

Watson says : " The malignant sore throat may be caught 
from a patient who has mild scarlet fever ; and mild scarlet fever 
may, in like manner, be contracted from one who- is suffering 
under the malignant sore throat. The two forms graduate insen- 
sibly, in different cases, toward each other ; and it would be im- 
possible, even if it were desirable, to draw any strict line of 
separation between them. Many would say, and probably with 
truth, that the difference was this : in the one form, the poison of 
the disorder is seeking its vent, principally, by the throat; in the 
other, by the skin." It appears, therefore, that in the human 
subject the disease is capable of being communicated at any stage. 

The cases that have come under the author's notice since he first 
recognized the malady have all been of a mild form; that is to 
say, non-malignant. The limbs, sheath, and pectoral regions were 
excessively dropsical ; the skin was the seat of rash or minute ele- 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND SUB-TISSUES. 289 

vations, and scarlet spots or patches were always present on the 
visible surfaces of the mouth and nostrils ; yet the patients always 
drank and ate mashes freely, which they could not have done so 
readily had their throats been sore and ulcerated. 

The author would intimate, however, that, should the disease 
ever become malignant in the horse, it may also become, as in the 
human subject, contagious and infectious. Perhaps the reason 
why it has not attained a malignant type in this country is, be- 
cause it is of recent origin ; whereas, among the members of the 
human family, scarlatina has been known to exist for several 
hundred years, and may have acquired intensity and malignancy 
with age. In anticipation of such an event, the author recom- 
mends that scarlet-fever patients be separated from other inmates 
of the stable. 

The following case is from the author's note-book, and may 
serve to instruct the reader on the theory and practice of the 
malady : A short time ago, a bay gelding, aged about nine years, 
was admitted into the Chicago Infirmary. On examination, the 
following symptoms were observed: 

Symptoms. — The hair about the neck and fore and hind limbs 
was elevated in blotches, with corresponding elevations on the 
skin beneath ; the membranes within the cavities of the nostrils 
had scarlet spots, variable in size ; all the limbs were more or less 
swollen ; the breath was hot and fetid ; the animal was unsteady 
in his gait, apparently very weak; had great thirst, yet little ap- 
petite. The elevations on the surface of the body, and the scarlet 
spots on the nasal membrane, constituted the diagnostic symptoms 
of scarlet fever. 

Treatment. — During the first three days, I drenched the animal 
with three ounces of liquor acetate of ammonia, in an equal quan- 
tity of cold water. The elevations on the surface of the body 
were sponged once a day with a lotion composed of two ounces 
of aqua ammonia and one quart of rain-water. A sloppy bran-, 
mash was occasionally furnished, of which the patient partook 
freely. This tended to keep the bowels loose, and moderate the 
febrile symptoms. On the fourth day all the limbs became very 
much swollen, from dropsical effusions, which feature of the case 
is very apt to present itself. I now changed the treatment — 
omitted the lotion bathing, and gave, night and morning, two- 
ounce doses of compound fluid extract of buchu and juniper ber- 
19 



290 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

ries. A slight discharge of glairy mucus now commenced running 
from both nostrils ; the scarlet spots had become more diffused, and 
of a brighter tint ; the appetite had returned, and a few oats and 
a small quantity of hay were occasionally allowed, which were 
eaten. The limbs were hand-rubbed often, and the body was 
clothed with warm blankets. This treatment was followed up for 
a period of five days, at the end of which time he had improved 
very much, yet the limbs were considerably swollen. 

On the tenth day I commenced to give four ounces of fluid ex- 
tract of resin-weed per day, with an occasional dose of fluid extract 
of golden seal, under which treatment he convalesced very rapidly, 
so that on the sixteenth day all medicine was discontinued. I now 
turned the animal into a small inclosure, where he seemed to take 
pleasure in rolling and exercising himself, which had the effect 
of reducing the dropsical swelling of the limbs, and on the fourth 
of December the patient was sent home — not exactly to go to work, 
but to receive care and attention until he had recovered from the 
effects of the disease, and had gained his ordinary strength. 

It is very difficult to say to what extent scarlet fever among 
horses prevails in the United States ; for very little, if any thing, 
has ever appeared in print of American origin, except that which 
has appeared from the pen of the author of this work. On the 
other side of the water, however, the disease is of frequent oc- 
currence, and is well understood. The first account of it published 
in England was from the pen of Mr. Percivall, in the year 1843, 
who says that " the existence of scarlet fever has received such 
confirmation from other quarters as to leave no doubt in my mind 
that, rare as the malady acknowledgedly is, and hitherto unde- 
scribcd as it has remained, it will one day find a place in our es- 
tablished veterinary nosology." 

Since the above date, Surgeon Haycock and several other 
writers have noticed the disease, treated it, and minutely described 
its symptoms. They all agree that when the disease does make 
its appearance, it is usually the sequel of epidemic catarrh, or in- 
fluenza ; and this was probably the case regarding the patient the 
subject of this paper, for the owner informed me that the animal 
had previously shown symptoms of distemper. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND SUB-TISSUES. 291 



Ringworm. 

This disease usually makes its appearance on the shoulders and 
sides of the horse, in the form of circular patches, attended by 
scurfiness and loss of hair. Small vesicular eruptions can also be 
detected, by means of a magnifying glass. It is usually sponta- 
neous in its origin, but probably is generated by filth. 

Treatment. — In view of treating the disease successfully, the 
body should be well cleansed with soap and water, and afterward 
rubbed dry ; then apply daily, by means of a sponge, a portion of 
the following : 

No. 36. Powdered sulphate of iron 4 oz. 

Fluid extract of bloodroot 2 oz. 

Rain-water 1 quart. 

Mix. 

Give, as an alterative, half an ounce of the fluid extract of man- 
drake, in half a pint of water, night and morning. 

When the disease has been neglected, the parts are apt to ul- 
cerate ; in that event, the following preparation is recommended : 

No. 37. Pyroligneous acid 6 oz. 

Linseed oil 5 oz. 

Spirits of camphor 2 oz. 

Mix. 

Dress the ulcerations twice daily. 

A liberal supply of cut grass, sliced potatoes, or carrots should 
be allowed, if they can be obtained. Particular attention should 
be paid to the matter of keeping the skin clean. The treatment 
must be continued until all vestiges of the disease have disappeared, 
or it may break out again. 

Prurigo. 

This is a disease of the skin, accompanied by a terribly annoy- 
ing itching sensation. The torment experienced by animals suf- 
fering under this form of malady is scarcely describable. They 
often rub and abrade the skin until blood appears on the surface, 
and they are rendered perfectly miserable. There are said to be 
various forms of prurigo, but they do not differ in kind, only in 
degree. Heat aggravates the malady ; therefore horses located in 
a warm and unventilated stable are apt to suffer most. And the 



292 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

same remarks apply to many other forms of disease, which shows 
how important it is that stables should be properly ventilated. 

Symptoms. — The skin in those parts where the affection is lo- 
cated shows on its surface small elevations, known as papulae ; but 
they are difficult to discover in some horses, as they are of the same 
tint as the skin. After awhile the rubbing tears away the summits 
of the papulae, and a secretion exudes which soon forms very minute 
scabs'. 

During the past four years the disease has prevailed very exten- 
sively among army horses, and it usually proved very obstinate, 
from the fact that very few of the army farriers understood its 
true nature ; neither were they acquainted with the modus operandi 
of treatment. The authorities contend that prurigo is not a con- 
tagious aifection, like itch and mange, and, therefore, it may be 
classed as a local aifection, brought on by inattention to cleanliness. 
In order to prevent it, the author advises a free use of the brush 
and curry-comb. 

Treatment. — The best mode of treatment is as follows. Sponge 
the affected parts thoroughly with the following lotion : 

No. 38. Powdered borax 4 oz. 

Rain-water 2 quarts. 

After using the above quantity, at one or two dressings, then 
rub the affected regions dry, and lubricate the same with a por- 
tion of the following : 

No. 39. Kerosene oil 4 oz. 

Pyroligneous acid 12 oz. 

Mix. 

It is usually good policy to put the patient under a course of 
alterative treatment; therefore the author recommends that he 
have, daily, thirty grains of iodide of potass, dissolved in four 
ounces of water, to be given in the form of drench, every day, un- 
til the disease has disappeared. 

Poll-evil 

The name of this disease originated in England, in consequence 
of it being more prevalent in that country than in some others ; 
hence, was a great evil, and occurring about the nape of the neck 
or region of the poll, it was called " poll-evil." Much of the poll- 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND SUB-TISSUES. 293 

evil occurring in former years was unnecessary, and occurred in 
consequence of neglect, injuries, "and abuse. The disease first 
makes its appearance in the form of a local tumor, of an inflam- 
matory character. Soon it runs into the suppurative stage; pus 
or matter is secreted, and we then have a common abscess, which 
may result in fistula of the poll. 

Causes — The disease may arise from blows and bruises. Horses 
when located in low-roofed stables are apt to strike the poll against 
the ceiling, or a beam, or the upper part of the doorway, and fre- 
quent repetition of the act either ends in induration (hardening) 
or poll-abscess. Some grooms are in the habit of occasionally 
jerking the animal's head by means of the halter, and some horses 
are very restless in the stall, and are often seen to jerk their heads 
upward, forgetting that they have any halter around their necks, 
until they feel the pain which they themselves inflicted. The in- 
jury, slight as it may be, often remains undiscovered or unattended 
to until considerable tumefaction or even suppuration has set in. 
The case may then become protracted, and exhaust the patience 
of all concerned. Excessive friction on the nape of the neck from 
bridle or halter, or pressure from either one of these causes, pro- 
duces poll-evil ; and the halter, by being fastened too tightly, is a 
fertile cause in producing this affection. Dirt and filth are oper- 
ative, also, in producing this malady. It is well known that the 
poll is a part which very seldom makes the acquaintance of the 
brush or curry-comb, yet it is the locality of considerable dust and 
scurf; and sometimes, owing to accumulations of the same, a cu- 
taneous eruption arises, and the itching sensation consequent causes 
the horse to fret and rub whenever he can get a chance. The evil 
goes on, until what was at first superficial now becomes deep- 
seated. The bungling and cruel manner of sometimes forcing a 
small collar on a large horse often does mischief, and lays the 
foundation for poll-evil. Some persons are in the habit of bracing 
the horse's head downward with the martingale, so as to bring the 
lips and chest in close proximity, yet forget that the strain comes 
on the poll and bruises the soft parts. 

Treatment. — Should the tumor be discovered in its early stage, 
before matter has formed, the parts should be bathed often with a 
portion of vinegar and water, equal parts ; or else a cold-water 
dressing or pad may be applied, which should be reapplied as fast 
as it becomes dry. Half an ounce of powdered chlorate of potass 



294 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

should be given night and morning. This may be dissolved in 
half a bucket of water, which the horse will drink. In the course 
of a couple of days, the practitioner will be able to determine 
whether or not the tumor is likely to suppurate; if so, it will 
have increased in size, and have a soft fluctuating feel. 

Just as soon as matter can be detected, the abscess must be 
punctured at its base, by means of a thumb lancet. It will not 
do to allow the matter to accumulate ; for, if so, it will burrow 
and spread in various directions, making a very extensive and for- 
midable abscess. It would be necessary to make a free opening 
into the abscess large enough to admit a man's finger, and if, in 
the course of a day or two, the opening should partly close or con- 
tract, it must be dilated with a knife. So soon as the abscess is 
laid open, all the matter must be squeezed out, which process must 
be accomplished by the use of sponge and hot water. We then,, 
in view of removing every particle of matter, carefully inject the 
cavity with a quantity of pyroligneous acid and water, equal parts. 
A glass syringe is best, as the acid has a bad eiFect on a metal one. 

It will be necessary to sponge the cavity once daily for several 
days, or until matter ceases to form. In the mean time the ani- 
mal must be put under treatment, for it is very rare that this dis- 
ease can be cured by local treatment alone. My usual custom is 
to give the patient thirty grains of the iodide of potass, twice 
daily, in half a bucket of water. The animal will not refuse to 
drink it. Should he be weak and emaciated, tonics and stimu- 
lants are indicated. Half an ounce of powdered golden seal and 
the same quantity of ginger, given with a small quantity of water, 
as a drench, daily, will answer the purpose. Sometimes it is ad- 
visable to put a pad of cotton cloth, or a large wad of oakum on 
the poll, in view of keeping the skin and sub-tissues in contact, by 
which means they more readily unite. The pad may be secured 
to the part by passing a cotton roller, five inches wide and three 
yards in length, around the neck. At the poll the bandage is to 
be further secured, by tying a lock of the hair of the forehead with 
a lock of the hair of the mane. This precaution prevents the 
bandage from slipping backward. The bandage should be re- 
moved and readjusted every day, and the parts are to be cleansed 
and syringed, in the manner just alluded to, as long as necessary. 
After the lapse of a few days, should the secretion of matter de- 
crease, then the chances are in favor of a cure. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND SUB-TISSUES. 295 

Cases, however, will sometimes occur which set at defiance all 
our skill. In such we find that either the ligamentary, tendinous, 
or fleshy parts, or perhaps the bones, are involved, and it often 
happens that fistulas or pipes run in various directions. Such 
cases require the services of a surgeon, who will dissect out the 
fistulous pipes, and remove all the diseased portions of the flesh 
and bone. The after-treatment is then the same as we have just 
indicated. 

Fistulous Witheks. 

This disease resembles poll-evil, and, in a majority of cases, 
owes its origin to the same exciting causes; namely, external 
bruises, or injury inflicted by a bad-fitting collar or saddle. The 
treatment is the same as that recommended for the cure of poll- 
evil. 

Wakts on the Skin. 

Warts are of two kinds. One of these makes its appearance 
upon, and consists in part of an increased development of, the 
outer scurf or scarfskin ; the other kind is contained under, and, 
while it elevates, does not grow from the scarfskin. As it fre- 
quently becomes desirable to remove these growths, and to coun- 
teract that condition of skin on which their reproduction depends, 
we shall briefly describe them. The most common kind of wart, 
and that called the true angleberry, is the first of the two to which 
we have alluded. It has always a hard, horny sort of investment 
externally. This is formed of scales of scarfskin matted together 
in great quantities, and prolonged from the true skin, to which 
they are attached. As this outer covering increases in growth, it 
dries and splits up into shreds or fibers, which generally become 
more or less pointed at their free ends. Many of these shreds 
may grow from one common stock or pedicle, called the " neck." 
In other cases there is no well-defined neck, and a large surface 
will be covered with a coarse, rough, and horny crop of warts, all, 
as it were, united where they originated from the skin. 

Cause. — Warts are always produced from what may be consid- 
ered as greatly-developed knots, or papilla?, within the true skin. 
Blood, in greater quantities than natural, is sent to these, and the 
papilla? continuing to grow, forms perceptible tumors, which are 
somewhat sensitive, painful if exposed to friction, and form or 



296 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

throw off the scaly covering which eventually forms the main part 
of warts. We see many instances of warts on the human hands 
and other parts of the body, and always find that the dry, horny 
part grows from the skin somewhat thickened and increased in 
vascularity. So great, indeed, is the quantity of blood which 
some warts receive, that they bleed much more profusely than 
other portions of skin when wounded. 

The other kind of wart to which we alluded does not cause any 
external roughness or scaly appearance. It is formed within the 
outer skin, and commonly appears as a circumscribed round tu- 
mor. On being examined by the hand, it is felt to be contained 
in a sack or pouch, within which it is easily moveable. It is 
almost insensible, and consists of a quantity of white fibrous and 
sometimes grisly substance, which does not possess blood-vessels 
in its interior. We often meet with this kind of encysted wart 
near -the outer organs of generation in the horse or mare. The 
horny wart which we first noticed is common in horses, cattle, 
and dogs. The encysted wart is comparatively rare in cattle; it 
is more common in dogs, but is most frequently found in horses. 

Treatment. — In treating warts with a view to remove them, and 
prevent their reproduction, it becomes necessary to destroy, in a 
measure, the surface from which they sprout. When an angle- 
berry has-a " neck," this should be cut off flat and close with the 
skin, and the raw surface thus made should be touched occasion- 
ally and freely with caustic or a heated iron. If the neck be so 
large as to endanger much bleeding if divided at once, a ligature 
of thin, strong string may be tied round it very tightly, in order 
to cut <sff its supply of blood. The ligature should be applied 
frequently — daily, if convenient. Where a large surface is cov- 
ered by warts which do not possess any definite necks, their horny 
parts should be cropped or cut closely down to the true skin, with 
scissors or other convenient instrument, and the surface thus ex- 
posed should then be touched with a hot iron, or rubbed with 
caustic potass. Such application is to be continued till the horn 
ceases to grow. Encysted warts are removed by cutting the skin 
of the sack and squeezing them out. The exposed cavity should 
be dressed daily with digestive ointment. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND SUB-TISSUES. 297 

Purpura Hemorrhagica. 

A disease not unfrequently makes its appearance among horses 
termed purpura hemorrhagica, known in human practice as the 
" purples." It consists of congestion (extravasation) blood of and 
effusion of serum (water) into the cellular tissue. The disease 
probably owes its origin to a depraved condition of the blood. 

Symptoms. — On making an examination of the affected animal, 
we find that the cellular tissue, in various parts of the body, is 
distended with serum and blood. Local swelling will appear in 
various parts of the body, more particularly about the face, lips, 
and limbs. The disease also affects internal parts. Blood is 
sometimes passed with the urine and feces ; respiration is embar- 
rassed ; the heart palpitates, and abnormal cerebral symptoms set 
in. In the human subject the disease is considered strictly as a 
hemorrhage. Small round spots appear on various parts of the 
body and legs, of a dull crimson or purple color. Pressure upon 
them does not efface the color, nor render it fainter, as it does that 
of common inflammatory spots of the skin. There is scarcely any 
prominence of the purple stigmata ; but they are sometimes inter- 
mixed with livid blotches, with appearances exactly resembling 
bruises, and they undergo, before they disappear, the same changes 
in color which attends the disappearance of a bruise. In fact, the 
anatomical condition of a bruise is exactly the same, with the dif- 
fused condition as in purpura. In each case the color is the result 
of echymosis (effusion of blood beneath the skin). 

In the human subject, also, the disease is not confined to the 
skin. Watson informs us that " the spots are not confined to the 
skin, nor to the subcutaneous tissues, but are found, occasionally, 
upon all the internal surfaces also, and within the substance of 
the several viscera (internal organs of the body). I have seen 
these purple spots in the mucous surface of the mouth, throat, 
stomach, and intestines; in the pleura and pericardium; in the 
chest; in the peritoneal investment of the abdominal organs; in 
the substance of the muscles, and even upon the membranes of 
the brain and in the sheaths of the large nerves, and I have known 
them to be accompanied with large extravasations of blood in most 
of the vital organs of the body." 

The same appearances have been observed in equine autopsies, 
which accounts for the immobility and deranged condition of all 



298 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

the functions. Sometimes the throat is so badly affected that 
tracheotomy has to be resorted to. Now and then the tongue be- 
comes livid and swollen, so that the animal can not partake of 
food. In such cases the tongue may be freely swabbed with warm 
vinegar, until its volume is reduced. 

Treatment. — So soon as the disease is discovered, the animal 
should be put under the following treatment : 

No. 40. Fluid extract of bloodroot 2 oz. 

Fluid extract of buchu 4 oz. 

Fluid extract of ginger 3 oz. 

Mix. 

Give one ounce of this mixture night and morning, in about a 
gill of water. Should there appear to be any trouble with the 
throat, lubricate it, twice daily, with a portion of the following: 

No. 41. Olive oil 4 oz. 

Camphor 1 oz. 

Mix. 

In preparing the above, it is best to pulverize the camphor, 
when it will dissolve more readily in the oil. A lotion must now 
be prepared, with which the whole surface of the body should be 
sponged daily. 

No. 42. Spirits of ammonia 3 oz. 

Spirits of camphor 2 oz. 

Pulverized rock salt 6 oz. 

Rain-water 2 pints 

Dissolve the salt in the water, allowing the impurities to settle ; 
then add the clear liquor to the camphor and ammonia, previously 
mixed. 

It occasionally happens that the skin, in various parts of the 
body, cracks, and portions slough off. Should there be any appear- 
ance of the kind, discontinue the above lotion and substitute the 
following : 

No. 43. Pyroligneous acid ) , , 

Olive oil j equal parts. 

Every time the patient is watered, (say about three times per 
day,) half an ounce of hyposulphite of soda should be dissolved 
in the pail. Vegetables, also, are indicated, if they are to be had. 
I should give tomatoes, sliced carrots, potatoes, and green grass. 
Bleeding, purging, and all kinds of poisonous and sedative medi- 
cines are inadmissible. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND SUB-TISSUES. 299 

, Out of Condition (Hide-bound). 

Either from derangement of the digestive function, or in con- 
sequence of the animal being fed on poor provender or worked 
beyond his strength, debility and emaciation ensue. A horse out 
of condition usually loses flesh; the hair loses its glossy appear- 
ance ; the skin becomes unhealthy and scurfy, and he can not per- 
form his ordinary labor without apparent fatigue. 

Treatment. — The best remedy, if the season permits, is a run at 
grass, taking care to give a good feed of oats every night ; other- 
wise the grass will not improve his condition. In the stable the 
treatment is as follows : Give the animal one ounce of the fluid 
extract of camomile flowers every morning, before feeding, and 
at night mix one ounce of powdered poplar bark with the oats. 
This, together with good food and rest, will complete the cure. 

Heepes. 

Herpes is a disease of the skin, manifesting itself in the form 
of vesicles, which contain a small quantity of aqueous fluid effused 
beneath the true skin. Sometimes they are thinly scattered over 
the surface, and sometimes collected into clusters. The vesicles 
appear in irregular succession. They terminate, also, in various 
ways : by the reabsorption of the fluid, and, in bad cases, falling 
off of the hair, and peeling of the skin, in some places. In the 
human subject the malady is considered transient and non-con- 
tagious, consisting of red patches, of irregular form and variable 
size, upon each of which stands a crop of vesicles. 

Treatment. — I have been very successful in the treatment of this 
malady by using the following lotion : 

No. 44. Glycerine 2 oz. 

Tannin 2 dr. 

Rain-water 4 oz. 

Apply once or twice daily, by means of a soft sponge. 

In the horse the affection sometimes assumes an epizootic form. 
In that event it can be communicated to man, as the following 
cases will show : 

" At the commencement of 1849, Count Fa verges invited Pro- 
fessor Papa to the valley of Borne, in Savoy, to see a disease 
affecting animals, and which even spread to men. Every facility 



300 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

was offered by Government to Professor Papa, and many persons 
having affected animals were requested to permit their inspection, 
and, indeed, threatened with a fine if they did not. Papa saw 
about three hundred horses and mules affected. The disease ap- 
peared in circular patches of furfuraceous scales, with grayish- 
white scabs. These patches had usually well-defined margins, 
about the size of a dollar or five-shilling piece. Usually they 
were isolated, but at other times they were confluent, or running 
together in groups. The head, neck, withers, shoulders, and loins 
were the parts chiefly affected. More rarely the upper portion of 
the extremities, and never on the lower part of the limbs, chest, 
or belly. The malady commences with a violent itching, and an 
eruption in small circumscribed points, about the size of a lentil, 
is witnessed. The scabs form, with the exudation drying and 
entangling cuticle and hairs. In the vicinity of the first, other 
eruptive spots appeared, which, widening, became confluent and 
run into one another, especially where the skin is folded and ani- 
mals have a chance of rubbing themselves. A scab forms on the 
sore surface, and the surface beneath it is red and tumefied, but in 
a little time desquamation occurs. A very careful microscopical 
examination failed to indicate the existence of any acari. 

The disease is contagious, and Papa says all those who come 
more or less in contact with herpetic horses or mules, and espe- 
cially the conductors of the same, were covered on the arms, legs, 
chest, and face with pruriginous eruptions, limited and circum- 
scribed, sometimes isolated, occasionally confluent, in the form 
of red patches covered with papulae and vesicles, which become 
incrusted with brownish-yellow scabs, beneath which purulent 
deposits formed. In consequence of the violent pruritis 'attending 
this disease, it was believed to be scabies or itch by the people^ 
and, though in many houses individuals were affected, they were 
ashamed to confess it, and it was with great difficulty that Papa 
collected information on the subject; but, having gained confidence 
on the latter, the people more freely related their cases to him. 
The first to be affected were those intrusted with dressing the dis- 
eased animals. The parts first attacked were the articular regions, 
about the forearm, arm, face, and rarely the lower limbs. 

Papa describes one of many cases of direct contagion. It oc- 
curred in a lad of sixteen, who had jumped on the bare back of an 
affected horse, to take it to a watering-place. Two days afterward, 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND SUB-TISSUES. 301 

on the inside of the thighs and legs, from the pubis to the calf of 
the leg, there was extreme pruritis. The skin became of reddish- 
brown color, and vesicles, full of yellowish lymph, formed, which 
gave way to vesicular patches or scabs, rough to the touch, first 
isolated, and afterward confluent. 

The transmission occurred from horse to horse, horse to man, 
and from man to man ; in fact, persons who never touched an af- 
fected horse were infected from individuals they came in contact 
with. A soldier, having arrived in perfect health from his regi- 
ment, slept with his brother, who suffered from the disease, and 
became affected. The wives of carters not only took the disease, 
but communicated it to their sucking infants. 

Papa visited the district at a season when the fetid hellebore was 
growing abundantly. He caused some to be gathered, and obtained 
decoctions of the roots. With this he mixed equal parts of water, 
and distributed the lotion in different parts, to be applied to men 
and animals that were affected. Without any internal treatment, 
this application had the best effect. He tried tobacco decoction, 
but not with a similar amount of success. Papa regards the dis- 
ease as the herpes tonsurans, which has been spoken of by many 
veterinarians as common in the live animals." * 

* Edinburg Veterinary Review. 




SECTION XL 

ON BREEDING, AND THE PRINCIPLES OF THE, SAME 

Breeding — The Principles of Breeding — In-and-in Breeding — Permanent 
Varieties — Animals become Parents too Early — Objections to In-and- 
in Breeding Answered — The Advantage of In-and-in Breeding — The 
Importance of Studying Anatomy and Physiology. 



Breeding. 

THE choice of a sire and dam is a point of the utmost conse- 
quence in breeding horses (or indeed any other animal), as 
the offspring will be found, in almost every instance, to inherit 
the qualities of its parents. Peculiarity of form and constitution 
is inherent, and descends from generation to generation ; hence 
the necessary attention to those niceties which breeders are often 
apt to forget. Nor is it sufficient that one of the parents be good 
and the other indifferent ; for the perfection of the sire may be 
lost through the deficiencies of the mare, and vice versti. 

In the selection of a stallion many things should be observed. 
There should be general uniformity and compactness in every 
part. The height should depend on the occupation the foal is 
destined to fill. The legs should be particularly examined, and 
disease should pervade no part of the system. Fat, heavy horses, 
with thick legs, and coarse, unseemly heads, should always be 
avoided. Horses should be free from specks on the eye — partial 
or total blindness. Temper is an essential point, for vice is some- 
times hereditary. Stallions that cover too many mares in a sea- 
son, in the latter period produce weak offspring. 

As regards the mare, it is well known that the dam contributes 

more to the integrity of the offspring than the sire. It is essential 

that she be in full possession of her natural strength and powers. 

The vigor of the constitution determines much in favor of the 

(302) 



BREEDING, AND THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SAME. 303 

foal. It is a great error to suppose that a mare that has once 
been good, and capable of great exertion, should, when old, and 
no longer fitted for work, produce offspring equally efficient as 
when in her prime. The foal will certainly inherit some of the 
weakness of the present nature and broken-down constitution. 
Mares should never be put to the stallion until they have arrived 
at maturity, which takes place about the fifth year. Mares are 
bred from earlier, but it is a bad practice, for strength and beauty 
are absent; and thus not only is the dam rendered inefficient 
sooner than in one that is allowed to come to maturity, but the 
foal can never be expected to be either healthy or strong in con- 
stitution. The period of going with foal is eleven months. After 
the sixth month, great care and gentleness should be exercised to- 
ward them. Moderate exercise is essential. Hard work in har- 
ness, over bad roads, is likely to produce abortion, and mares that 
have once aborted are very liable (if the same causes are in ope- 
ration) to a recurrence of the same. 

The proper time for copulation is when there is a discharge of 
a whitish fluid from the vagina. She neighs frequently, and ex- 
hibits great desire for the horse. When she has conceived she 
shows no further desire, and the discharge from the vagina stops. 
Some writers recommend that the mare be put to the stallion early 
after foaling. This is bad policy, for the simple reason that the 
dam, if she become impregnated, has to nourish both the foal and 
the embryo. This is excessively weakening, and tells on either 
dam, foetus, or foal. 

Disproportionate copulations are also objectionable, as, for ex- 
ample, putting a large horse to a small mare. When improve- 
ment in size is the object, it should be attempted by regular 
gradations. This is the best method of securing size and beauty, 
as well as strength. The best mode of preserving the breed and 
making improvements is, to make selections of the best on both 
sides. Much judgment and circumspection is necessary, at all 
times, in crossing the breed, and many errors arise in consequence 
of a want of knowledge on this subject. 

When the period of foaling draws nigh, the mare should be 
separated from her companions. Having foaled, she should be 
turned into a pasture, if possible ; otherwise, into a loose box 
inclosure, or empty barn. The foal may be weaned at the age 
of six months, more or less, as circumstances seem to require. A 



304 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

weak foal should run with its mother for a longer period than 
one that shows signs of vigorous health. Should the foal die at 
the period of parturition, humanity would seem to suggest that 
the mare be excused from duty for a week or two, by which time 
she will have recovered from the effects of parturition. 



The Principles of Breeding. 

It is a law of Nature that peculiarities of form, size, color, etc., 
shall be transmitted by parents to offspring, (" like begets like,") 
although, under certain circumstances, a modification of this law 
is to be expected. If, for example, we liberate an animal from 
domestication and its influences, which are known to operate very 
markedly on animal organizations and habits, the creature thus lib- 
erated loses its acquirements, and, in successive generations, grad- 
ually returns to the original type. This is a modification of the 
above law, and, supposing our pecuniary interests are the object of 
the experiment, it will be an improvement in the wrong direction. 

On the other hand, take a wild animal ; bring him under the 
influences^of domestication, and he gradually loses all his distinc- 
tive characteristics of size, form, and instinct, and, in popular 
language, becomes a new creature, improved or not, as the case 
may be, under the direction of his lord and master; so that the 
inferior orders of creation are really the creatures of circumstances. 
These changes are the result of man's experience or non-expe- 
rience. These are general propositions which "precede beauty 
and symmetry." 

Beauty and Symmetry. — If we examine into the methods pur- 
sued by some of the most successful raisers of live stock, we shall 
see that they paid particular attention to the selection of well- 
formed, beautiful animals. They very naturally supposed that ex- 
ternal conformation was transmissible; that if they happened to 
obtain a good calf or foal from inferior, diseased, or malformed 
parents, it was purely accidental, and out of the ordinary course 
of Nature. In selecting beautiful animals, they naturally excluded 
those of narrow chest, which peculiarity is indicative of predispo- 
sition to pulmonary affections and founder (the latter term signi- 
fying a worthless or ruined condition, which, in the eye of the 
law, renders them actually unsound), because they have that about 
them which may impair their future usefulness. Hence, for more 



BREEDING, AND THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SAME. 305 

reasons than one, such are unfit for breeding purposes, unless, 
however, the morbid phenomena be neutralized by blood, in one 
of the parents, of a superior order, free from taint, as it appears in 
the other. 

In my adventures in search of the beautiful, I should pass by 
all animals having any peculiarity of conformation, general or 
local, which experience teaches me are sure to reappear, either 
directly or indirectly, in future progeny. This appears to be the 
proper course to pursue ; yet many, otherwise intelligent men will 
invest their money in the purchase of defective animals, merely 
because they can be bought cheap, when every body knows, or 
ought to know, that cheap animals, like cheap watches, cost more, 
in the end, for repairs, etc., than a commodity of more real value. 
The same rule applies to horses. Some men, if they happen to 
be in possession of a broken-down mare, unable, from faults, de- 
fects, old age, and disease, to perform ordinary horse duties, com- 
mence a speculation in a different enterprise. The reproductive 
organs must be exercised. Just at this time some cent-and-dollar 
calculating jockey advertises and exhibits a well-fed, prancing steed, 
bearing a popular name ; but his whole carcass is redolent of faults 
and defects, which the owner is not expected to know any thing 
about, and if he does, it is not for his interest to point them out. 
The price of copulation is dirt cheap, and the foolish speculator 
expects to obtain a smart colt, that will eventually command a 
high price. But, alas for such milk-and-water calculations! the 
expected specimen of equine animality inherits and exhibits its 
parental infirmities and deformities, and ultimately becomes a 
living monument of the folly of its owner. 

There is no beauty in the faults and defects which must neces- 
sarily occur through the sexual congress of faulty and defective 
animals ; neither can there be grace in the motions of an overfed 
or ill-conditioned animal. Beauty, symmetry, grace, and sound- 
ness are defunct in the ill-conditioned creature, or otherwise de- 
fective one — a mere apology for the handiwork of Nature. The 
muscular system of a horse or cow may, in some regions of the 
body, be well-developed; but should their limbs be unnaturally 
curved, or any part of their system be out of proportion to the 
other parts of the body, then beauty has never seated itself on 
their thrones. Yet we can improve the appearance of such ani- 
mals by artificial means and costly adornments. This artificial 
20 



306 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

kind of beauty is what most men seek after, and, at a high price, 
to their sorrow, obtain it; whereas the real beauty of form and 
endowments, which practical husbandmen really require, must 
originate unartificially in the living citadel — must be the work 
of Nature and not of art. 

It is a fact, well known to many men, that animals of faultless 
form, having symmetrical proportions, are exempt from many 
diseases which are the heritage of faulty and inferior animals, and 
insurance companies take advantage of this knowledge, and insure 
the former at less rates than the latter. As an illustration of the 
above, I may be permitted to remark that the " Arabian Courser," 
English " blood horse," American " Black Hawk," and pure 
" Devon " cow — all remarkable for good points, beauty, and en- 
durance — are exempt from many of the common and unnecessary 
diseases and abortions. Beauty and symmetrical proportions con- 
tribute to health, because there is a certain degree of relationship 
between external and internal organs and functions. For exam- 
ple, a fine exterior, good depth of chest, well-proportioned muscles, 
and graceful limbs are generally coexistent with good " wind and 
bottom," and the subjects, of course, possess active respiratory 
organs, a finely-balanced circulation, and a digestive apparatus 
that can digest every article in the shape of fodder. In selecting 
the beautiful, we therefore obtain material for perpetuating health, 
long life, and valuable offspring. 

One of Blakewell's great secrets was, " Breed from the beau- 
tiful." I allude to him because he was the most successful 
"breeder" that England ever boasted of. At the onset he paid 
great attention to "beauty of form." Having developed a fine 
exterior, he engrafted on it the useful. He was well aware that 
beauty and utility were not always combined, but, being in pos- 
session of the former, he could produce the latter to " order;" and 
he accomplished his object in the following manner. He required 
cows that would yield a large quantity of milk ; consequently he 
selected those whose dams had long been celebrated for their ex- 
cellent milking qualities, and from among such he chose the very 
best female of the family, and united her with a beautiful male. 
Having, in the production of offspring through the above union, 
accomplished his object, he then paid less attention to beauty, and 
more to the milking qualities, so as to render the latter permanent 
in the breed. Still, in all his experiments he rejected uncouth, 



BREEDING, AND THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SAME. 307 

unthrifty, and defective animals. I am aware, however, that the 
evils of domestication are operative, to a certain extent, on all 
animals. Still, I contend that the " well-bred " animal can resist 
the insidious encroachments of disease, and survive longer under 
its depressing influence than "ill-favored" creatures. Illustra- 
tions are not wanting to prove the correctness of Blakewell's 
theory; therefore, I advise the reader to follow the example' of 
one who has been styled the " Napoleon of breeders." 

In-and-in Breeding. 

We now inquire, What is breeding in-and-in ? I answer, It 
implies consanguinity — breeding from animals of the same blood, 
or propagating in a close degree of relationship. Some persons 
have an idea that this system is pernicious, and leads to degen- 
eracy and premature decay ; but that is a matter of argument, and, 
as I shall attempt to prove, depends on the skill of the " breeder," 
and his ability to make wise selections. The human race — the 
sons and daughters of Adam and Eve — afford a stupendous illus- 
tration of the practicability of in-and-in breeding. The millions 
terrestrial all originated (so the Good Book informs us) from our 
common parents, and, consequently, we are all " blood " relations ; 
and this fact goes to show that in-and-in breeding is in accord- 
ance with the laws of physiology, and does not conflict with the 
intentions of " Him who doeth all things well." It is a part of 
the great scheme of creation, a physiological law, the problem of 
life, to solve which God has endowed us with reason, " God-like 
reason," the exercise of which puts us in possession of the fruit 
of the " tree of knowledge." The non-exercise of the same fur- 
nishes us with forbidden fruit. 

Ill-assorted marriages — consumption mating with consumption, 
and scrofula with scrofula — seeks at the altar an introduction to 
an early grave. The same is true of animals. Bad selections 
thwart the intentions of the Creator, mar his handiwork, and if a 
friendly epizootic sweeps them from the face of the earth, it is 
more of a blessing than a curse. From the great human family 
I select a branch to illustrate this principle, and I choose to refer 
to the Jews. So long as they are so in faith and practice — mar- 
rying their own kindred — they are a living illustration of the 
above principle. Have they degenerated? No. The distinctive 



308 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

characteristics of the race are just as remarkable as they ever 
were. The vicious and defective find an early grave, but the 
" race " remains pure. 

Now, as regards horses and cows, the same is true ; they all had 
a common origin. The different varieties that now exist are the 
work of time, circumstances, and the art of man. The famous 
horses mentioned by Mahomet, in the "Koran," resulted from 
in-and-in breeding. They have existed and multiplied for three 
thousand years without the slightest intermixture of foreign blood, 
and, from the time of Solomon up to the present day, their pedi- 
gree has been watched and chronicled with great care, so that no 
doubt exists as regards their consanguinity. Their fine form, 
splendid action, endurance, spirit, speed, and docility can only be 
retained by preserving the race pure, and this is an argument in 
favor of in-and-in breeding. 

No breed can be preserved pure unless the in-and-in system be 
pursued. Take the Suffolk pig, for example. So long as we put 
Suffolk to Suffolk we get " pure " Suffolk, and, if proper selections 
have been made, good Suffolks are the result ; but deviate from 
direct lineage, and the breed degenerates, for better or worse, as 
the case may be, and they lose their permanency of type, and cease 
to become pure bloods. 

' From the brave descend the brave. 

The Suffolks in this country are notorious for a cutaneous disease 
simulating scrofula, and many suppose that this arises in conse- 
quence of the in-and-in system of breeding ; but this I think is 
an error. It results from the evils of domestication, and our 
want of knowledge in making proper selections. There often is 
one or more animals in a litter incapacitated, by fault, defect, or 
debility, to perpetuate the stamina and remarkable points of the 
breed ; these are to be rejected. If we fail to do so, the next gen- 
eration, or the next to that, furnish more convincing proof of error, 
which I contend exists in making "bad" selections, and not in 
the above system. 

Turn for a moment to the history of the French Merino, and 
we shall find that Victor Gilbert — a name familiar to Ameri- 
ca's most successful sheep raisers — practiced no other than the in- 
and-in system of breeding. A lot of Merinos were sent, in 1786, 
by the Queen of Spain, to the King of France. The latter, in 



BREEDING, AND THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SAME. 309 

order to benefit the agricultural community, sent half of them to 
Rambouillet, and the other half to Croissy. The climate hap- 
pened to suit them, and they were considered superior to the ex- 
isting breeds in France. In the year 1800, Victor Gilbeet 
bought at Croissy a four year old ram and eight ewes. He bred 
from those animals during a period of ten years, occasionally, how- 
ever, " renewing the stock," as he termed it, by purchasing annu- 
ally from two to four sheep. In 1821 he purchased some of the 
Rambouillet stock, and asserts that, " from a union of the same, 
he obtained great advantages." Now, the reader will perceive 
that there was an alliance of blood. The two flocks were of the 
same lineal descent, belonged to the same " family," and of course 
the system of breeding was on the in-and-in principle. 

Now, as regards French Merinos obtained from the above 
source, and imported into this country, we have only to refer the 
reader to Taintor, of Hartford ; DeForrest, of New York ; 
Sanford, of Vermont; Parker and Howard, of Ohio, and 
many others, who are ready and willing, we presume, to testify as 
regards the prosperity of the above breed in this country, the result 
of in-and-in breeding. S. W. Jewett, of Vermont, has pur- 
chased, up to the present time, over three hundred bucks and 
ewes, the offspring of the Croissy and Rambouillet breed, and this 
is proof positive of the correctness of our theory. 

Now, as regards the advantages of in-and-in breeding, what are 
they? When Victor Gilbert purchased the first ram, he car- 
ried but 9 pounds of wool ; he finally realized 24 pounds from the 
rams, and from the ewes 18 pounds, a tangible illustration of the 
advantages. A very fine French Merino, originating from the 
above source, was very recently exhibited at a sheep-shearing in 
Wisconsin ; the animal weighed 325 pounds, and carried 40 pounds 
of wool. Now, the originals, as I have already shown, carried 
but 9 pounds ; so that the standard, as regards a particular quality, 
has been raised, and that is what we understand by " improve- 
ment." 

Mr. V. Barford, of England, has demonstrated the propriety 
of in-and-in breeding. He is a man, however, of superior judg- 
ment, and he culls and casts out from his flocks and herds all ani- 
mals showing the least predisposition to any defect. A writer in 
the " Mark Lane Express " considers Mr. Valentine Barford 
" one of the most successful in-and-in breeders of sheep in the king- 



310 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

dom; for he has bred from the pure Blakewell blood for sixty- 
five years, without the aid of any other sort or kind, and bred 
from his own flock for upward of fifty years, maintaining size, 
weight, and constitution. I have known Mr. Barford's flock for 
upward of half a century, and. they appear as strong in their 
stamina as when I first saw them. Mr. Barford does not use a 
ram unless he has a wide loin, a large breast and collar, and very 
wide between the forelegs, all of which points denote a hale con- 
stitution. Although in-and-in breeding has beat thousands to a 
stand, Mr. Barford still shines in it." 

Therefore I contend that great advantages are derived from pre- 
serving the breed pure and in making proper selections. I have 
been very much pleased in perusing some remarks made by Sajst- 
ford Howard, and published in the " New England Farmer ;" 
and, as they happen to have a direct bearing on our subject, I 
here give them : 

" What is breeding in-and-in ? While some apply the term 
only to animals distantly related, he conceived the only true idea 
of the matter to be that it applied to creatures of the same blood. 
The consequences of breeding in-and-in, he believed, might be 
either good or bad, and depended wholly on the skill of the 
breeder. As proof that breeding in-and-in was not contrary to 
Nature, he referred to birds, the buffalo, etc., in a wild state. It 
is known that they breed in-and-in constantly, and yet no deterio- 
ration takes place. He had known geese to be propagated in this 
way for forty years, and not the slightest depreciation in size, 
quality, or feather was visible in them. Still cases could be cited 
where breeding in-and-in had produced bad results, yet these 
might be attributed to imperfections in the parent stock. It is 
only necessary to select perfect specimens." 

Having now attempted to show that in-and-in breeding is in 
accordance with Nature, and that the birth of inferior and defect- 
ive animals, under this rule, resulted from the breeder's ignorance 
or neglect in making proper selections, I shall next introduce some 
remarks of a general character. 

Permanent Varieties. — In-and-in breeding should be practiced 
in view of some specific object; namely, perpetuating species capa- 
ble of constantly and permanently transmitting characteristic pecu- 
liarities, such as may be observed in any particular permanent 
variety. As an illustration of the same, we offer the French 



BREEDING, AND THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SAME. 311 

Merino sheep, Black Hawk horse, and Devon bull. These are 
permanent varieties, the type of each having been established by 
a long course of in-and-in breeding. We are told, however, that 
many of the imported French Merinos (so called) have produced 
offspring scarcely worth the trouble of raising — far inferior to our 
common native stock. The principal reason is, many sub-races 
of Merinos, existing in France and elsewhere, are the result of 
cross-breeding. They are nothing less than mongrels, destitute 
of that permanency of type indicative of pure blood. But there 
are other causes for the deterioration complained of, which will be 
noticed hereafter. 

By preserving the race pure through a certain period, we thus 
obtain the requisite permanency of type, which can then be trans- 
mitted indefinitely. Let us see, now, if we understand what is 
meant by a permanent variety, and inquire if such do really trans- 
mit their permanent peculiarities. A permanent variety (Black 
Hawk breed, or Devon cow, for example), are animals whose pe- 
culiarities were not coeval with the tribe, but have arisen, or been 
engrafted on the same, subsequent to the advent of their existence ; 
and, therefore, what some may term distinct species are, in reality, 
nothing more than permanent varieties. The Shetland pony, 
therefore, is a permanent variety. Circumstances have made him 
just what he is. He, being an inhabitant of a stormy, tempestu- 
ous region, comparatively destitute of shelter and artificial food, is 
left, in many instances, like the cattle of Norway, (whose diminu- 
tive size is notorious,) to seek such food as the county affords ; and, 
owing to their being secluded from other horses, frequent inter- 
course among themselves have rendered their small and peculiar 
forms permanent in the race ; and, with unerring precision, " like 
begets like." 

The permanent varieties that now exist among the cattle of the 
British Isles is due to local circumstances and the art of man. 
Most of the fine breeds now owned by English husbandmen are 
named after the location in which they are said to originate. 
These are permanent varieties, yet the most of them (in fact all, 
except importations) are descendants of the "Wild or White 
Forest breed." Hence the Highland breed, dispersed over the 
mountains of North Britain ; the Alderney, of the Norman Isles ; 
and the Devon, from the Bristol Channel, etc., are all permanent 
varieties, originally of the White Forest breed. Yorkshire is 



312 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

celebrated for the production of a permanent variety of horses 
known as " Clevelands." They are an ancient and unmixed race. 
Their bodies have peculiar markings, and if a foal should be born 
without them, the owner would give orders for its immediate 
destruction. I presume it is now understood what is meant by 
permanent variety. 

Animals become Paeents too eaely. 

Victor Gilbert never allowed ewes to have lambs until they 
had passed their third year, and the bucks were never used until 
they had arrived at full maturity. He, as well as many other 
sagacious stock-raisers that I might name, are probably conver- 
sant with the fact that, during the period of growth and develop- 
ment up to maturity, the reproductive organs are dormant, while, 
at the same time, the nutritive function was wholly engaged in 
elaborating chyle and blood for the development of bone, muscle, 
and nerve; and that by calling into requisition the reproductive 
or generative organs before the animal had attained full growth, 
must necessarily divert the elements of matter intended for nutri- 
tion from their legitimate channel, and direct them to the repro- 
ductive organs. This is precisely what takes place. A too early 
use of the purely animal functions induces weakness and stunted 
growth. 

The author remembers that, in his school-boy days, it was cus- 
tomary, so soon as a boy had accumulated a few pence, to invest 
the same in a rabbit (a favorite animal at that period) ; conse- 
quently we had a community of juvenile rabbit-raisers; and from 
the results of past experience, as observed by the older boys, a rule 
was adopted among us that the doe should not be put to the buck 
until she had attained full maturity. The reason assigned for this 
rule was, " Early breeding prevented the doe from growing." The 
facts were evident ; still we knew not the why nor wherefore, but 
acted on the spur of experience. Physiologists have assigned the 
above as the true cause, and have, in their writings, pointed out 
the woeful results which often follow a too early use of the purely 
animal functions and organs. I seriously urge farmers to give 
this subject that attention which it evidently demands. By so 
doing they will prevent many of the unnecessary abortions which 
are almost constantly occurring. Among the higher orders of 



BREEDING, AND THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SAME. 313 

creation the same law holds good. In fact, there can be no devi- 
ation from it without incurring the hazard of paying the penalty. 

Heifers should never be put to the bull until they have attained 
the age of three or four years. At tnis period they are in their 
prime. If they happen to have acquired too much fat, their daily 
allowance must be reduced. 

Human growth, according to the best authority, ceases between 
the ages of twenty and twenty-five. In very warm regions, how- 
ever, where development and decay are universally allowed to be 
more rapid, the inhabitants come to maturity much earlier. A 
superior class of human beings can only be produced by selections 
and exclusions similar to those so successfully employed in rear- 
ing the inferior orders. We may rejoice in a Fulton, Franklin, 
or Webster occasionally, (by mere accident,) the parents of such 
being absolutely ignorant of the first principles of physiology; 
but, in the breeder's language, such are in possession of the " pre- 
requisites." In the first place, they had not entered the marriage 
relationship prior to the age of reason. The parents, if we mis- 
take not, were full-grown men and women, not boys nor girls. 
They possibly possessed a sound mind and healthy constitution, 
free from hereditary defect of mind and body, which stunted 
growth, aided by artificial modes of life, are almost sure to entail. 
Until within a few years, a wise and salutary law was in oper- 
ation in the British Isles which interdicted marriage until the 
candidates had arrived at the age of twenty-one. That law has 
been set aside, and, consequently, the mass of the population of 
the present day will not bear comparison with that of the past. 

One safeguard, therefore, against stunted growth and ill-health 
is to avoid a too early use of the reproductive function. And here- 
in we are not safe unless proper selections have been made, and 
faulty animals or persons rejected. I am persuaded that if hus- 
bandmen of these United States could all view this important 
matter in its right light, a very decided improvement would soon 
be the result. The subject will, however, eventually command 
the attention of all. 

Many persons urge that the offspring of blood relatives are 
weak, nervous, deficient in intellect, complete idiots, etc., and 
that further intercourse in the same direction only makes bad 
worse. These are facts which can not be controverted, yet the 
weakness, nervousness, etc., does not occur from the relationship 



314 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

which exists between the parties, but is the result of their defec- 
tive constitutions. Many of the cousin-marriages are entered into 
without the least regard to the rational theory of selection and 
rejection. The question is one of interest, not of utility. These 
blood connections are consummated merely to retain property in 
families, and to satisfy the caprices of doting parents, superannu- 
ated uncles, and disappointed maiden aunts ; and thus many an 
idiotic or emaciated sprig of aristocracy unites his destinies with a 
fashionable cousin the very counterpart of himself, both inherit- 
ing family defects of precisely similar character. Should they be 
blessed (cursed, rather) with offspring, may we not expect a min- 
iature of the originals? " Without due attention to avoiding dis- 
ease, it will increase in the progeny." 

Among the human species, therefore, where the objects are of 
such immense importance to present and future generations, the 
principles of selection and rejection are entirely overlooked. We 
pay more attention to the principles of breeding in cattle than we 
do to those applicable also to their lord and master. Hence the 
faults and defects alluded to are not the result of close affinities, 
but result from our indifference or ignorance of the laws of life. 

Objections to In-and-in Breeding Answered. 

The two preceding paragraphs are brief answers to the objec- 
tions against the sexual congress of blood-relations ; yet, as other 
evidence than my own, and of a more general character, may be 
demanded by the reader, I have thought it best to introduce other 
testimony. The following quotations are from the pen of P. S. 
Humbrickson, of Ohio, published as a " Prize Essay : " 

"Many object to what has been termed in-and-in breeding. 
Indeed, with most of those who do so, their objections assume 
the form of a very strong prejudice. This is attributable to a 
certain confusion in their minds, by which reasons, wherein there 
is no proper connection, are made, with the aid of imagination, tQ 
assume a form of mutual dependence and coherence in support of 
their theory. In the human family, marriages within the Levitical 
degree, or, as they are also called, incestuous marriages, are for- 
bidden. But the prohibition rests exclusively upon moral, and 
not at all upon natural or physical reasons ; yet the direct phys- 
ical calamities are imagined to pursue the infringement of that law. 



BREEDING, AND THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SAME. 315 

Now, it would seem that where the moral reasons in favor of an 
enactment are sufficient not only to justify but to demand it, no 
more should be required. And this is in accordance with the 
soundest rules of philosophizing. Moreover, if no such moral 
reason existed, the authority of the Lawgiver, in the case of the 
divine law, is a sufficient foundation and warrant for it ; and the 
human law is bound by and but follows the divine. Shall we, 
then, take the step beyond, and apply to the inferior animal the 
rule that was intended for rational, accountable man ? We know 
that, if left to his own observation and experience, and being him- 
self the judge, the objector must avouch the fact that, in the state 
of Nature, there is no restraint, and that such connections are and 
must be continually taking place. 

The Advantages of In-and-in Breeding. 

" And if there are advantages arising from the having placed in 
the line of the direct ancestry, near and remote, of our flocks, a 
great number of approved individuals, both male and female, as 
has been seen, it follows that there must be far greater advantages 
arising from the having the same one individual (if he be of marked 
superiority) placed in that line the greatest possible number of 
times. This is done by in-and-in breeding, and is the object of it. 
Now, it is easier to find this one unsurpassed individual than to 
find many ; for in the many there will, most certainly, be one to 
be preferred to all the rest. Then, under the operation or the 
principle of atavism, the chances that the resemblance of such un- 
equaled ancestor will be obtained must be in the ratio of the 
number of times that he occurs in the ascending lines ; hence 
greater uniformity and greater excellence in all the progeny. 
An apt illustration of this is found in the frequent occurrence of 
the Godolphin Arabian, in the pedigrees of all our best blooded 
horses, carried back to him as their founder." 

In conclusion, the author offers the following, in view not only 
of benefiting the horse, but his owner also. 

The Importance of Studying Anatomy and Physiology. 

There is an aphorism which is said to have emanated from a 
Divine source, and it appeals to the intelligence of this enlightened 



316 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

and progressive generation with peculiar force. It is, "Know 
thyself." To understand our moral, intellectual, and physical 
natures and tendencies should be the business of every one. The 
cultivation of, and proper direction given to, the former, bring us 
within the halo of health, purity, and peace. A knowledge of the 
physical or physiological laws of life, and in practicing fidelity to 
what they teach, places us on the high road to health and long life. 
Anatomical and physiological acquirements are needed by every 
one, in order that we may know ourselves, and thus be able to 
preserve our wondrous mechanism, "the harp of a thousand 
strings," in its normal condition; for without health we can not 
enjoy life, nor answer the purposes for which we were created. 

We have the testimony of learned men, and our own reflective 
minds confirm the facts, that an alarming number of premature 
deaths, and an untold amount of physical infirmities, are the result 
of either our ignorance of, or indifference to, the uncompromising 
laws of Nature. The rational being, free from hereditary taint, 
of mental or physical deformities, comes into the world with all 
that is essential to his future life and happiness. He has within 
his organization a radiant volume of intellectuality, organized, 
compiled, and bound by the Divine hand, the first glimmer of 
which reveals something adapted to present and future wants and 
necessities. The intellectual spark, once ignited, is capable of an 
endless increase. We can add ray to ray, power on power, until 
the God-like man acquires the mental greatness of a Webster, or 
the mechanical skill and distinction of a Fulton. We do not 
expect that all can become Websters and Fultons, because we do 
not all practice that invariable perseverance and stern energy 
characteristic of giant intellect and mechanical skill. We are not 
all willing to toil, mentally or physically, with that perseverance 
and industry so necessary to success ; and if we were willing, after 
having attained maturity or manhood, our minds and bodies being 
trained and molded for station and circumstances, are then not so 
well adapted, as in youth, for increase and power. Still, at this 
period of life, we are not destitute of the means of self-culture. 

We are living illustrations of progressive mental capacities 
which often transpire in men past the meridian of life, who, 
before that period, never considered themselves favored in this 
line. How unfortunate it is, therefore, that the generality of 
mankind should be so indifferent about the science of life, and be 



BREEDING, AND THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SAME. 317 

so slow in making it the basis of rational action in warding off 
disease, and in promoting the integrity of their existence ! The 
reason is, our education is incomplete. We are all that Nature 
intended in elementary ability, and only deficient in its use. 
The means are anatomical and physiological studies ; the time is 
in youth, when the mind is pliant, capable of receiving permanent 
impressions. The place for the engrafting of the same is in our 
common schools and at the fireside, the mother and the teacher 
wielding a common scepter of instruction. 

Some people do not realize that our organizations are the result 
of the most positive laws of Nature, and that our ailments are the 
result of our own ignorance or folly. The mass of mankind are 
not aware that our physical systems are capable of improvement 
analagous to the mental. No; they generally think and act on 
the false and ruinous proposition that our diseases, aches, and 
pains are so woven into the filamentary mechanism of the living 
citadel as to be beyond the power of either art or science to eradi- 
cate — a proposition that should never, for a moment, be enter- 
tained ; for, if we live right up to the laws of life, we are then 
within the impregnable ramparts of physiology, where our ac- 
quired and fashionable maladies can not obtain. 

Within the bulwarks of physiology certain conditions are im- 
posed upon us, and we must observe them. For example, we 
require a pure atmosphere, at all times, to vitalize the blood, and 
thus deprive it of tliose defiling elements acquired by venous blood, 
and which would otherwise operate, as they often do, in our 
crowded assemblies and unventilated sleeping-rooms, as the germs 
to excite unnecessary disease. Next, the body should be kept erect, 
so that the muscles and organs may acquire and maintain natural 
action. We require vigorous daily exercise of all the muscles of 
voluntary motion ; freedom from all compression by dress ; apparel 
that shall afford needed protection ; a quantity of food and drink, 
at intervals, that shall furnish materials for the wants of our sys- 
tems, and that control of feeling which enlightened reason and 
virtue demand. Our time should be distributed into daily periods 
of labor, rest, and amusement ; and, above all, we must bear in 
mind that infirmity wedded to infirmity is a sin against our na- 
ture — a wanton violation of the law of Nature and of our existence, 
to which a fearful penalty is appended, even unto the " third and 
fourth generations." 



318 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

The faithful observance of the physiological laws of Nature re- 
sult in health and strength, and promote longevity. Such is the 
fruit which the tree of knowledge beareth. The non-observance 
of these laws of life places us on a par with the poor idiot, when 
sporting with the implements of self-destruction, and furnishes to 
us the forbidden fruit. Health depends entirely on the use which 
we make of the various organs and functions of the body. Health, 
never comes to us or our live stock by virtue of good lu'ck. None 
are healthy by special Providence or Divine favor. Neither can 
health be found in the popular nostrums of the day on the proceeds 
of which quacks grow fat and wealthy, and patients often be- 
come poverty-stricken, and finally sink into the arms of Death, in 
blissful ignorance of what brought them there. Much of what is 
here written is equally true regarding horses and cattle. Many of 
their diseases spring from the same causes which are operative on 
the human subject; hence, knowledge of the above description is 
what all interested should seek after. 



SECTION XII. 

LAMENESS FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 

Curbs — Elbow Tumor — Capped Hock — Varix, or Bog Spavin — Atrophy, or 
Wasting of Muscles — Thorough-pin — Navicular Disease, or Lameness — 
Pleuro-dtnia — Acute Rheumatism — Chronic Rheumatism — Ring-bone — 
Splint — Spavin — Osteo Porosis — Curvature of the Spine — Hoof-bound — 
Laminitis — Sandcrack — Quarter Crack — Navicular Thritis — Stifle Out 
— Contraction of the Hoof — Bowed Legs — Corns — Lameness. 

Curbs. 

CURB consists of sprain of the posterior ligament of the hock, 
known as the calcaneo-cuboid ligament. It is thus named 
in consequence of being inserted into the oscalcis and cuboid bones. 
The tumefaction is usually confined to the skin and subcellular 
tissue. At first the part is hot and painful, and the animal is 
lame — does not* flex the hock in a natural manner ; yet, when 
standing still, the horse keeps the lower part of the limb flexed, 
so as to relieve the overstrained tendon. The liability or predis- 
position to the disease lurks in breed. Such horses are observed 
to have ill-shaped hocks. Such have been denominated "cow- 
hocks." The parts are not symmetrical. There is an obvious 
disproportion between the width of the parts above and below the 
hock, which gives it an angular appearance ; and the more angu- 
larity there is, the more liability is there to sprain, because there 
is too much tension on the calcaneo-cuboid ligament. 

Causes. — The exciting causes of curb are sprain, occurring in 
the act of backing a heavy load, or in leaping ; in short the per- 
formance of any feat that violently calls into play the flexor 
muscles and tendons of the hind extremities ; hence stallions with 
faulty hocks, when used for procreation, are very apt to become 

the subject of curb. 

(319) 



320 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 




Explanation. 



1 1. Curbs, or enlargement in the region of the back or posterior part of the hock, an affec- 
tion known to veterinarians as sprain of the calcaneocuboid ligament. 

2. Elbow tumor, or enlargement at the point of the elbow. The point of the elbow corres- 
ponds to the olecranon of man. 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 321 

Treatment. — So soon as the injury is discovered, the part should 
be fomented often with either an infusion of hops or poppy- 
heads. It is best to apply the infusion cold, and by means of a 
sponge, the animal being kept at rest during the acute stage. 
Sometimes, in view of relieving the tension of the sprained liga- 
ment, it is customary to tack on a high-heeled shoe. This may 
or may not be necessary, and depends on the severity of the case. 
After having modified the inflammatory action, the high-heeled 
shoe may be dispensed with. Then, in order to get rid of the 
chronic enlargement, the part must be daily anointed, for a short 
time, with a portion of the following : 

No. 45. Powdered iodine 1 dr. 

Simple ointment .7 dr. 

Mix. 

After a short time, the animal may be put to light work, still 
making an occasional application of the iodine ointment. 

Should the parts about the hock degenerate into a hard callous, 
friction with cod-liver oil may be employed. Should this fail to 
have the desired effect, then make a few applications of the acetate 
of cantharides, prepared as follows : 

No. 46. Acetic acid (fluid) 1 oz. 

Water 5 oz. 

Powdered cantharides 1 dr. 

Mix. 



Elbow Tumor. 

Elbow tumor (see cut on preceding page, fig. 2,) is usually re- 
cognized as "capped elbow/' It sometimes grows to an enor- 
mous size, and not only becomes unsightly, but seriously interferes 
with the action of the elbow and its articulation. At first, the 
part is hot, inflamed, and tender. Soon effusion takes place; 
then the part is soft and fluctuating ; next, albumen is deposited, 
and this, finally, is metamorphosed into fibrine, at which stage the 
tumor is large and dense ; the walls of the skin are also very much 
thickened ; in fact, when dissecting out the tumor, it appears that 
the skin is in a state of hypertrophy, or morbid growth. How- 
ever, there is usually a central orifice in the tumor which seems 
to indicate that the first trouble originated in a bursal sac, from 
external injury, either by the calking of the shoe or- the toe of the 
21 " 



322 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

hind foot; or it may arise from a bruise inflicted in the act of 
lying down on a hard floor. 

Treatment. — In the early stage, and when there is nothing but 
fluid in the sac, an opening should be made into the lower part of 
it, by means of a thumb lancet. After the fluid has been evacu- 
ated, by pressure, inject into it an astringent, composed of pyrolig- 
neous acid and water, equal parts; and rub the exterior of the 
tumor, twice daily, with a small quantity of cod-liver oil. The 
cod-liver-oil will act as a glandular stimulant, and thus aid in the 
absorption of the tumor. A seton, inserted through the tumor, 
sometimes has a very good effect ; but if the tumor be large and 
unsightly, the services of a surgeon will be required for its removal, 
by means of the scalpel. 

Capped Hock. 

Capped hock consists of tumefaction, or enlargement at the 
point of the hock. Occurring, as it does, at a very prominent 
and exposed part of the limb, it is almost sure to attract notice ; 
hence is not only an eye-sore, but a serious defect, and, if accom- 
panied by lameness, the animal may be pronounced unsound, 
during the period of lameness. The tumor is the result of enlarge- 
ment of a synovial sac which lies between the bone and the tendon 
gastrocnemii. This sac contains synovia, and it is furnished for 
the purpose of lubricating the parts for the prevention of friction. 
The skin, also, becomes thickened, or, rather, is in a state of hy- 
pertrophy (morbid growth), which add largely to the size of the 
tumor. 

Causes. — Capped hock is generally produced by a blow or 
bruise. It is almost always occasioned by the whiffle-tree coming 
in contact with the parts. The animal may, however, injure the 
parts in the act of kicking. The parts may also be bruised in the 
act of lying down or rising in the stall. Therefore, not knowing 
any other cause for capped hock, we may safely infer that it is the 
result of external injury. 

Treatment. — In the early or inflammatory stage, refrigerating 
lotions are indicated. Take of 

No. 47. Sal ammonia 1 oz. 

Nitrate of potass 1 oz. 

. Water 1 pint. 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 323 

Sponge the part quite often, for a day or two, until the heat and 
attendant pain subsides ; after which the affection will run on to 
the chronic stage, and perhaps acquire magnitude ; then the treat- 
ment must be altered. The object now is to excite absorption. 
In that view, I recommend the following : 

No. 48. Powdered iodide of potass 2 dr. 

Yellow basilicon 1-| oz. 

Mix. 

Apply a portion of this ointment to the enlargement, morning 
and evening. 

Varix (known as Bog Spavin). 

Varix, or " bog spavin," consists of an enlargement on the in- 
side of the hock, corresponding to a disease of the same character 
in the human subject known as varicose veins. It very rarely 
produces lameness, and most writers contend that it is nothing 
more than an eye-sore. Be this as it may, it is a defect, and, in 
the eye of the law, constitutes unsoundness, simply from the fact 
that soundness consists in perfection of function and structure, and, 
also, because sound horses do not have defects of this character. 
The enlargement does not generally impair the usefulness of the 
animal for ordinary work ; yet sometimes, in consequence of over- 
work or sprain, the tumor acquires magnitude. 

It is always dangerous to attempt to remove varix, or to punc- 
ture it ; and the only proper method of treatment, in view of lim- 
iting its growth, for it can not be cured, is to bathe it often with 
the following astringent lotion : 

No. 49. Fluid extract of witch-hazel 2 oz. 

Fluid extract of bayberry bark 4 oz. 

Proof spirit 1 pint. 

Mix. 

Bog spavin is an indication of weak and faulty hocks, unless it 
can be shown that the animal has been made to labor too early in 
life, or has performed excessive work beyond his capacity. Then 
the affection can be accounted for, and may not owe its origin to 
either fault or defect. 



324 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



Atrophy, or Wasting of Muscles in the Region op 
the Shoulder-blade, (known as Sweeny.) 

Atrophy signifies wasting of muscles, in which diseased parts 
become notably smaller than those of the natural, without other 
alteration in texture. The author has had several opportunities 
of examining horses that have died in consequence of disease or 
old age, who, during life, were the subjects of what is known as 
sweeny, and found that the muscles of the shoulder had quite a 
pale appearance, somewhat resembling those of a calf which had 
been bled to death. A condensation or wasting of muscular fiber 
was very apparent; the cellular membrane under the skin had 
almost disappeared, merely by condensation and contraction of the 
skin over the region of the parts, which contraction occurs in con- 
sequence of shrinkage of the muscles beneath the skin. 




A FOUNDERED OE DEAD LAME HORSE. (See p. 336.) 



Causes. — As regards the cause of atrophy, it is a well-known 
fact that inaction of a muscle produces a notable decrease in size. 
The muscles of laboring men decrease in size whenever, from 
choice or necessity, the individual leads a sedentary life. A limb 
kept at rest for any length of time undergoes more or less atrophy 
(wasting). In some cases, the foot diseases, so common, are of 
that character as to cause the subjects much pain in progression ; 



LAMENESS, FROM NARIOUS CAUSES. # 325 

and, in order to relieve the feet, the horse spares the muscles, which, 
for want of free and full action, leads to diminished nutrition and 
wasting (atrophy). Some of the readers of this work must have 
noticed the fact of the shrinking of the muscles of the haunch in 
case of disease or severe lameness of one of the hind feet. This 
shrinkage often occurs, as in the case of the shoulder, from want 
of natural action and full play of the muscles concerned. We 
have ample proof that wasting is the result of want of action, in 
the fact that when a horse becomes the subject of a painful disease 
in the hind foot, he neither advances nor rotates the limb any 
more than he can possibly help, but holds the foot up, sometimes 
points it. On examination, the atrophy, or wasting, is confined to 
the muscles which perform these two actions ; and in the case of 
pain or lameness in one of the fore-feet, the same faulty action is 
observable, and the same class of muscles (whose action is almost 
identical with that of the hind parts) are the ones affected. 

The author deems it of great importance that husbandmen 
should fully understand this subject; for it will enable them to 
perceive that, while inflating horses' shoulders with a quill, or 
practicing any other absurd treatment in the vicinity of the wasted 
or sweenied shoulder, they are overlooking the real malady (in 
the foot), and at best are only treating symptoms. On careful 
examination, however, should it appear that the patient is free 
from any disorder of the foot or feet, and, on the other hand, it is 
clearly evident that myositis or myalgia (muscular pain) exists, 
then the treatment must be directed to the affected parts. The 
facts in either case can only be determined by a competent practi- 
tioner. 

The author has often noticed that when horses have been over- 
driven or overworked, they become stiff and lame in those parts 
of the body most susceptible to the ordinary influences. For 
example, one horse may perform a long journey, with a weighty 
man on his back, and the next day show symptoms of lameness 
in the lumbar region. His back is arched ; the limbs are brought 
under the center of the body, and every movement indicates that 
the animal suffers tormenting pains, which are located in the mus- 
cles of the back. This is myositis, or inflammation of the muscular 
fiber. Sometimes, however, the malady constitutes myalgia (mus- 
cular pain and spasm), unaccompanied by inflammatory action. 
Another horse may be put to a similar kind of work, and, in a 



326 DABD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

few hours afterward, be found stiff and lame. But the symptoms 
are not the same as those just recorded. The pathology is proba- 
bly identical ; it is the same disease, only it has a different locality. 
It is myositis of the pectoral muscles, involving, also, the muscles 
of the shoulder-blades. And the intelligent owner of the afflicted 
animal will notice that the fore extremities are unnaturally ad- 
vanced ; the foreparts of the body are unnaturally hot and tender ; 
the fore-feet are feverish, and the hoofs are hotter still. The ad- 
vanced position of the fore extremities and shoulders gives a very 
marked hollowness to the forepart of the chest, and many men, 
on seeing such a case, would declare that the animal was chest- 
foundered, this being the name which is sometimes given to such 
a condition ; but it is really owing to myalgia (muscular pain and 
stiffness). 

It is well-known that all muscles are subject to inflammatory 
action and muscular pain from work disproportionate to their 
strength. For example, let any man undertake to saw wood, 
practice with heavy dumb-bells, or ride on a horse — feats that he 
has never been accustomed to — and, whether the labor be excessive 
or not, the individual will shortly complain of more or less mus- 
cular pain ; and if he be a weak man, the more excessive will be 
that pain. Now, the muscles of the horse, being just as suscepti- 
ble to pain as those of man, are just as easily operated on through 
the well-known exciting causes. 

Symptoms. — In the case of a horse, when the work has been ex- 
cessive, and of a character to bring the muscles of the shoulders, 
their tendons and coverings, into a state of over-exertion, it will 
often be found that some of the muscular fibers in the region of the 
shoulder are fractured, small blood-vessels are ruptured, and other 
pathological changes take place. This is followed by inflammation 
(myositis). Suppose, therefore, a horse shows symptoms of myo- 
sitis after excessive work, and, in the course of a few days, it is 
noticed that the muscles of his shoulders are wasting away, and 
continue to waste, so that all persons who examine the animal 
pronounce him sweenied, we may then infer that the wasting 
(sweeny) is not symptomatic, but is the result of myositis. 

Treatment. — The principal treatment is rest ; afterward diminish 
the work, and, by proper diet and tonics, increase the power to do 
it. The muscular parts affected should be bathed, morning and 
evening, with a portion of the following : 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 327 

No. 50. Fluid extract of wormwood ) t, o' „ 

„, . , , , „ . y each A oz. 

lluid extract of poppies j 

Proof spirits 1 pint. 

Mix. 

Should the feet prove to be very hot and feverish, frequent 
bathing with cold water, or a cold infusion of hops, will have a 
very good effect. In the mean time give the animal two drachms 
of fluid extract of gelseminum, once or twice per day, until the 
feverish symptoms subside. Then, when the case passes into the 
chronic stage (sweeny), the shoulders and wasted parts are to be 
well rubbed, often, with a portion of the following : 

No. 51. Fluid extract of ginger 4 oz. 

Gum camphor 1 oz. 

Olive oil \ pint. 

Pulverize the gum ; add it to the oil, in which it will soon dis- 
solve ; then mix with it the ginger, and the preparation is fit for 
use. 

Should the muscles of the shoulder waste, in consequence of 
chronic disease or altered structure about the hoof or within it, 
such as ring-bone, ossification of the lateral cartilages, etc., then a 
strong counter-irritant must be applied, for a week or so, around 
the coronet. At the same time we should treat the shoulder as 
above. A good counter-irritant for the coronet may be thus pre- 
pared : 

No. 52. Cod-liver oil } , 

xr ., \ equal parts. 

Kerosene oil j u r 

Mix. 

The great trouble in chronic cases of this character is, that it 
usually takes a long time to free the animal from lameness, and to 
restore the muscles of the shoulder to their original size ; and, after 
all we can do, it may be necessary to let the animal have a run at 
grass. It will be advisable, in all chronic oases, unless the horse 
be very lame, to insure regular exercise, which will tend to develop 
the shrunken muscles. 

The best way to prevent sweeny is to keep the horse in good 
condition by a rational use of his muscular powers, being careful 
not to overtax them, and by giving proper attention to his feet, 
both in the stable and at the blacksmith's shop. 



328 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



Thorough-pin. 

The seat of thorough-pin is between the popliteous (fig. 2) and 
the point of the hock, near where the tendon is severed, as shown 
in the accompanying engraving. The disease is called thorough- 
pin, simply because the fluid contained in the bursal sac can be 
squeezed from one side to the other. 




VIEW Or SOME OF THE DEEP-SEATED MUSCLES IN THE REGION OF THE HOCK AND STIFLE. 

Explanation. — 1, Popliteous ; 2, Flexor pedis accessorius ; 3, Flexor metatarsi magnus ; 
4, The tendon, common both to the flexor metatarsi and extensor pedis; 5. The groove 
in which the extensor plays. 

Symptoms. — The disease is similar to bog spavin and wind-galls ; 
namely, enlargement of a synovial sac. It seldom if ever lames 
a horse, yet, when large, is apt to interfere with the free action of 
the joint. 

In former years it was customary to open thorough-pins by 
means of a lancet, in view of evacuating the fluid ; but many fatal 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 329 

cases having occurred, the practice is now discontinued. Among 
the many fatal cases recorded I select the following, which has 
been recorded in the " Veterinarian," by W. A. Wheatley, V. S. : 

" The subject was a five-year old cart-horse, the property of the 
South-eastern Railway Company, admitted on the 1st of Septem- 
ber, 1855, with an immense thorough-pin on the off hock. The 
animal being then in a very high condition, a support shoe was 
placed on the foot of the diseased limb, and the frequent applica- 
tion of cold water to the diseased parts resorted to, the diet being 
restricted to mashes. 

October 6. — The horse was considered in a fit state for the op- 
eration. Accordingly, I had the animal secured by a side line, and 
first punctured the enlargement with the exploring-needle, in four 
different places; but, as the imprisoned fluid did not escape so 
readily as I expected, I determined upon opening the part with 
the lancet, which being done, the fluid escaped to the amount of a 
small tea-cupful. It was of a thin consistence, and of a pale straw 
color. I then applied bandages dipped in cold water, and kept 
the hock constantly wet. 

October 7. — The swelling had very slightly returned. I gave 
some aperient medicine, and continued the bandages with cold 
water, and applied a suitable truss to the hock. 

I need not give a report of the case from day to day. Suffice 
it to say that the cold water and the truss were continued in use, 
and the animal never manifested the least inconvenience from the 
operation. 

November 21. — He was considered cured, not the least appear- 
ance of the enlargement being left. 

November 29. — On this day the horse was attacked with abdom- 
inal obstruction, and, despite all our remedial measures, consisting 
of active purgatives, as solution of aloes, calomel, oleum lini et 
crotoni, with the frequent use of medicated enemata, counter- 
irritants, etc., he continued to grow worse till the 1st of December, 
when death took place. This was the fourth attack of this kind 
that the animal had experienced while under treatment for the dis- 
eased hock." 

The danger to be apprehended in cases where an opening is 
made by the lancet arises from the liability to synovitis, (inflamma- 
tion of the synovial membrane,) which reacts sympathetically on 
the system, producing derangement of some of the organs or func- 



330 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

tions of the body. Therefore I consider it injudicious to lay open 
a synovial capsule in any part of the body. 

Treatment. — The safest method of treatment is to puncture the 
sac, by means of small needles. After having evacuated the fluid 
through the sieve-like needle-holes, the part is to be smeared with 
ointment of iodine — one drachm of iodine to seven drachms of 
simple ointment. Then apply a spring truss, so constructed as to 
press on both sides of the hock. By this means the internal parts 
of the sac are kept in contact, and they finally unite. Thus the 
enlargement is obliterated. If, at any time during the treatment, 
the parts become hot or tender, discontinue the ointment, and sub- 
stitute a pad on each extremity of the truss, which are to be kept 
constantly wet with cold water until the inflammatory action dis- 
appears. 

Navicular Lameness, 

Navicular lameness is of very frequent occurrence among horses. 
It usually depends upon strain or injury of the tendon, known as 
perforans, just where it passes over the navicular bone. Some- 
times the navicular bone becomes diseased, ulcerates, and finally 
becomes fractured ; at other times the bone becomes the seat of 
incrustations, or roughing, and thus irritates the flexor tendon. 
Such affections always cause pain and lameness. Horses with nar- 
row heels, or those laboring under contraction at the quarters and 
heels, suffer much pain in the posterior or navicular region, in con- 
sequence of hoof pressure on the sensitive parts of the foot. 

A disease known as navicular thritis (inflammation of the parts 
in the navicular region) often prevails. This is an inflammatory 
affection, very painful, and much resembles laminitis) fever in the 
foot). 

Symptoms. — Pointing of the affected foot; the animal, while 
standing, throws the affected foot forward, by which means the 
weight of the forepart of the body is transferred to the other limb ; 
the animal has a short, tripping gait, and steps cautiously; the 
muscles of the shoulder waste ; the spine of the shoulder-blade be- 
comes quite prominent ; and this condition of the muscles is often 
called sweeny. We usually find, also, that the heels are pinched 
in, and the walls are thin and weak. The liability to navicular 
lameness is very great in horses with narrow chests, upright pas- 
terns, and outturned toes. Other defects in the loins exist. Hence 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 331 

it is supposed that a predisposition to this affection may lurk in 
the breed ; in fact, it is known that a tendency to it exists in the 
progeny of certain horses. It is related that the progeny of 
" Young Musician," a thorough-bred horse, all showed a tendency 
to navicular disease. 

Treatment. — We first ascertain whether the difficulty is of an 
acute or chronic character. Should it have made its appearance 
very suddenly, and the part feels hot and painful, then we class 
it as the acute stage. Should the trouble, however, be of long 
standing, it will be in the chronic stage. In the acute stage, cold 
water bandages must be applied to the region of the fetlock, which 
should be kept wet with water, to which may be added a little 
vinegar, merely to acidulate the former; the patient should be 
kept at rest, and fed on a light diet. In the chronic stage, coun- 
ter-irritants are indicated, yet organic disease may be the result; 
in that event, the horse has always a sort of groggy walk, and is 
never sound. 

Neurotomy has been practiced in view of treating this affection, 
but I can not perceive how such an operation can benefit a horse 
having an organic difficulty. Neurotomy merely destroys, for a 
short time, the sensibility of certain parts of the foot ; but so soon 
as the divided nerve reunites, sensibility is again restored. There 
may, however, occur some form of lameness which might be bene- 
fited by neurotomy, but I think the same thing might be achieved 
by counter-irritation, and without the use of the knife. The coun- 
ter-irritant I have found most useful is as follows : 

No. 53. Cod-liver oil 2 oz. 

Kerosene 3 oz. 

Cantharides # 1 dr. 

Mix. 

Apply a portion of the above to the navicular region, between 
the heels and fetlock, on the back part, once or twice daily, until 
the part is well blistered, which will take place at the end of a 
week. The more thorough the blistering, the more chance is there 
of doing good. No after-dressing need be applied, unless the 
parts become very sore; in that event, I should lubricate with 
olive oil. 

It will be necessary, in chronic cases, to secure the services of 
a good blacksmith, so that the animal may have a shoe affixed 
properly adapted to the necessities of the case. If any signs of 



332 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

contraction exist, the heels are to be opened, and the walls at the 
quarters must be rasped thin, so as to remove the lateral pressure 
on the sensitive parts. 

It may be necessary, in the event of the patient not being bene- 
fited by the above treatment, to reapply the counter-irritant ; this 
matter is left discretionary with those who take the case in hand. 
In the treatment of such cases, the r owner of the afflicted animal 
must be prepared to exercise due patience, for the day of recovery 
may be far distant; often it is a mere question of time, and not 
one of skill. 



Pleurodynia (Painful affection of the Pleura and 

Muscles of the Chest). 

Pleurodynia (in human practice) signifies pain in the side, from 
a rheumatic affection of the pleura. In horses the malady not 
only affects the pleura, but also the intercostal muscles. It is a 
very painful malady, and some persons are in the habit of calling 
it "founder." Pleurodynia, however, differs in its origin from 
founder, inasmuch as the latter may arise from various causes, 
whereas pleurodynia is almost always the result of an excessive 
use of the muscular powers, or when the animal has been sub- 
jected to long-continued and very severe exertion. 

Symptoms. — It will be noticed that the animal moves in a very 
stiff manner ; steps short and quite slow — he appears about used 
up, as the saying is ; the back is arched, and the skin is over the 
service of the body, and is not only hot but very tender ; on mak- 
ing pressure over the regions of the sides of the chest, symptoms 
of pnin will be elicited, showing conclusively that the intercostal 
muscles between the ribs and pleura, or lining membrane of the 
cavity of the chest, are involved; the respirations are short and 
jerking, and the number of pulsations range from forty to sixty 
per minute. Both fore-feet are usually advanced, and, on apply- 
ing a hand to them, it will be found that they are unusually hot, 
and that they are inflamed ; the appetite is not good ; the urine 
is high-colored, and the bowels constipated. Such are the most 
observable and common symptoms of this painful malady. It is 
something like rheumatism in its pathology, and often migrates 
to the brain, or its investing membranes. When this happens 
there remains but little hope for the patient. 



LAMENESS FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 333 

Treatment. — In view of illustrating the treatment, I introduce 

the following case : The animal had been hired of Mr. P , of 

Chicago, by a person who appeared to have but very little respect 
or compassion for horse-flesh ; for on the return of the animal to 
the stable, he showed unmistakable evidences of shameful abuse. 
He was completely jaded, and could scarcely stand on his feet. 
He received proper care and attention during the night, and next 
morning I visited him. On making a careful examination, I 
found most of the above symptoms present. It seemed, however, 
that his feet were more affected than other parts of the body, and 
it was impossible to get him to move. I had his feet bathed 
constantly with cold water, and his joints, back, and sides were 
rubbed with a liniment composed of equal parts of cod-liver oil 
and spirits of camphor. The medicine administered was one 
ounce of powdered niter, night and morning, for three days. The 
pulse had decreased to thirty-six per minute, and the respirations 
were more tranquil; so I discontinued the niter, and commenced 
an alterative plan of treatment, by giving one ounce of fluid ex- 
tract of stillingia, night and morning, at the same time continuing 
the local applications until they were no longer needed. One 
ounce of fluid extract of buchu was occasionally given, in view 
of exciting the kidneys to action, and this is all the medicine the 
patient received until convalescence was established, when he was 
placed under tonic treatment. The tonic used was one ounce and 
a half of fluid extract of golden seal, daily. The treatment occu- 
pied a period of two weeks, during which time the animal stood 
but little on his limbs, seldom rising except to partake of food, 
which consisted of bran and water, a few oats, and small quan- 
tities of hay. So soon as the patient had regained some strength, 
he was led to pasture, where he soon got well. It appears that 
in the treatment of a disease of this character, light diet, a few 
simple medicines, and good nursing are all that are indicated. 

Acute Rheumatism. 

The faithful servant of man, the horse, does not enjoy im- 
munity from this distressing disease. The same causes which 
operate on the system of man to develop a disease of this char- 
acter are, with unerring certainty, operative on the inferior 
creature. Rheumatism is mostly confined to the fibrous tex- 



334 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 




tures, or faschia of muscles, and the inter-articular cartilages of 
the joints, and, finally, the articulating surfaces of the bones be- 
come involved. The disease is always characterized by great 
pain, and sometimes swelling in the re- 
gion of joint. It is accompanied by a 
quick and wiry pulse, and by other symp- 
toms, denominated febrile. It occurs 
among men and horses at all seasons 
of the year, yet at the period of sud- 
den transitions from heat to cold it is 
most prevalent. Animals when heated 
by exercise, and then suffered to "cool 
off," without ordinary care, are very apt 
to become the subjects of this malady, so 
that prevention, to a certain extent, is 
within our power, and, in the exercise 
of preventive measures, we may, in com- 
mon parlance, "stave off," for a time, 
this disease, although it may be latent in 
the system as an hereditary affection. 
™dleg ND0NS Mr. F. Dun, who is good authority on 
the subject, says : 
"Rheumatism is neither so common, nor are its symptoms so 
well marked, in horses as in cattle. When, however, it does occur 
in the horse, it manifests the same well-known appearances which 
characterize it in all animals. It affects the fibrous tissues of 
joints, the coverings of muscles, tendons, valves about the heart, 
and larger vessels, and manifests a peculiar tendency to shift from 
one part of the body to another, often affecting, in succession, all 
the larger joints — at one time chiefly in the neck, at another, in 
the back and loins, while, in many of its more acute attacks, it 
appears to involve almost every portion of fibrous and fibro-serous 
tissues throughout the body. In all its varied types it exhibits a 
full, strong, hard, and unyielding pulse, caused by the inflamma- 
tion involving the serous and fibro-serous tissues of the heart and 
circulating vessels. During its existence, various excrementitious 
matters accumulate in the blood, and the fibrinous constituents 
of the same exceed their normal proportions, as indicated by the 
production of the buffy coat on the blood. In severe or badly- 
treated cases, the inflammation is very apt to be transformed from 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 335 

the joints and muscles to the heart, and its investing membranes, 
and it is the danger of this change in the seat of the disease that 
renders rheumatism so formidable, and often so fatal. It always 
leaves the parts affected so altered as to be extremely predisposed 
to subsequent attacks, and it is more than probable that this altered 
condition is reproduced in the progenies of rheumatic subjects, and 
constitutes in them the inherent tendency to the disease. 

Horses sometimes suffer from rheumatic inflammation in the 
fibrous sheathing envelopes of the muscles of the neck, constitut- 
ing what is popularly known as the chords. When thus affected, 
the animal is very stiff, remains as much as possible in one posi- 
tion, and is unwilling to bend his neck either one way or the other, 
or to elevate or depress his head. There is always more or less 
fever, with a strong, full pulse. Sometimes, as in lumbago, in the 
human subject, it affects the muscles of the back and loins, caus- 
ing stiffness, tenderness, and pain, which are especially evinced on 
moving or turning the animal. These rheumatic affections are 
very readily produced in predisposed subjects by exposure to rain 
and cold, especially when accompanied by overheating or exhaus- 
tion. M 

Rheumatism sometimes occurs in horses as a prominent symp- 
tom of that epizootic affection which usually receives the much- 
abused title of influenza. In such cases the rheumatism is of a 
somewhat more subacute or chronic character than common, and 
is accompanied by that low, debilitating fever so often the con- 
comitant of epizootic maladies. It usually affects all parts of the 
body susceptible of the rheumatic inflammation, is attended par- 
ticularly by those symptoms which indicate disease of the heart 
and pericardium, as an intermittent pulse, etc., and often termi- 
nates fatally by effusions into the pleura or pericardium, thus 
causing death by arresting the motions of the heart." 

Treatment. — In the treatment of rheumatism simulating an in- 
flammatory type, our first object is to produce a sedative effect on 
the heart and its vessels of circulation. With this object in view, 
we administer one or two drachms of fluid extract of gelseminum 
every four hours, until the pulse becomes softer. In the mean time 
a few doses of nitrate of potass* should be given in the water 



* Nitrate of Potassa. — In a case of synovial rheumatism this remedy was 
given by a Boston physician, in a single dose of one ounce, dissolved in a pint 



336 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

•which the animal drinks, at the rate of one ounce per day, divided 
into doses in proportion to the number of times the patient is 
watered. So soon as the animal evinces signs of improvement, 
the above treatment is to be discontinued ; then give six drachms 
per day of fluid extract of prince's pine. The joints which seem 
to be aifected are to be bathed occasionally with camphorated 
vinegar, in the proportion of one ounce of camphor to eight ounces 
(fluid) of vinegar: 

Chronic Eheumatism 

Chronic rheumatism is usually the sequel of the acute kind. It 
is generally obstinate and lingering, and prone to recur. Unlike 
the acute kind, pain is alleviated by counter-irritation and exer- 
cise ; and when the patient gets warmed up, as the saying is, he 
either forgets his pains or becomes relieved. Bathing with warm 
vinegar has a good effect in the treatment of this disease, but I 
have found the following liniment useful in almost all the cases 
that have come under my care : 

No. 54. Oil of cedar 2 oz. 

SiSphuric ether 1 oz. 

Proof spirit 1 pint. 

First, mix together the oil of cedar and sulphuric ether ; then 
add the proof spirit, and, after shaking it awhile, it is fit for use. 
Give the animal one fluid drachm of the fluid extract of colchi- 
cum-root, night and morning, for three days ; after which give, 
daily, twenty-five grains of the iodide of potass, dissolved in half 
a gill of water. Should the animal show any signs of debility or 
loss of flesh, tonics, stimulants, and nutritious diet are indicated. 

and a half of barley-water. This was followed by one grain of opium. In fif- 
teen hours the pulse was found reduced, and the pain absolutely gone ; and in a 
few days the tongue was clean, and the swelling entirely abated. The remedy 
caused neither emesis nor catharsis, but passed off by the kidneys. In another 
case of acute synovial attack, following chronic rheumatism, the same dose was 
prescribed without any good effect, causing active catharsis. Again, half an 
ounce of nitrate of potassa, largely diluted, was given every two to four hours, 
until the patient took three ounces in eighteen hours, with two doses of opium 
of one grain each, with entire relief to the pain and fever. When the potash 
was reduced to drachm doses, nausea and vomiting followed, which were relieved 
by vesication with aqua ammonia, the blister being sprinkled with half a grain 
of morphine. The patient recovered. Another physician had used the remedy 
to the extent of half an ounce in twenty-four hours, for three successive days. 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 337 

The authorities teach us, and my own experience has confirmed 
the fact, that iodide of potass is a valuable agent in the treatment 
of chronic rheumatism. It is most sure to act beneficially when 
the periosteum (fibrous covering of the bones) is affected. There 
is no doubt that chronic rheumatism often cripples the joints by 
producing disease of the bones in the region of their articulations. 
This makes a poor horse dead lame, and renders him almost useless. 
When the bones become ulcerated or carious there remains but little 
hope of cure. 

King-bone. 

Ring-bone is a form of disease the pathology of which is similar 
to that of spavin and splent. It is located just above the coronet 
or crown of the hoof. The enlargement is called exostosis (a mor- 
bid enlargement of bone), and when the large pastern becomes 
united to the smaller one, the case is called anchylosis (permanent 
rigidity of the joint). 

The term ring-bone is far behind the times as regards our pres- 
ent knowledge of nosology (the doctrine of the names of diseases) ; 
yet, to the unprofessional, it is suggestive, and, therefore, we are 
compelled to retain a name which all can interpret. It signifies 
a complete or partial eminence around pastern bones. The ring 
is formed by incrustations, or osseous deposits in the pastern, or 
involving the joint, as the case may be ; yet, in order to make out 
a pure case of ring-bone, that comes strictly within the meaning 
of the term as horsemen interpret it, there must exist a complete 
ridge of bone around the anterior part, extending from side to side. 
A pure case of ring-bone generally originates on the surface of the 
bone, on or beneath the periosteum. Commencing at the lower 
margin of pastern and upper part of the coronet bone, the disease 
spreads, involving both capsular ligament and joint. The remote 
cause of ring-bone lies in hereditary idiosyncrasies, transmitted 
through the sexual congress. The disease itself is sometimes di- 
rectly transmitted. I once bought an un weaned colt, and brought 
it up by hand. A short time after purchase, I observed enlarge- 
ments on the hind pasterns. He ultimately turned out to be a 
ring-boned animal, and had stiff joints. I found out afterward 
that the mother had large ring-bones on both hind pasterns. The 
disease was, therefore, congenital. 

Mr. Percivall, whose opinion on such matters is unquestion- 
22 



338 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

able, says that his attention to the hereditary origin of ring-bone 
was first aroused from a remark made by an extensive dealer in 
horses, in reply to a question put to him, How it happened that 
but few ringbones were met with, compared to the number that 
attracted notice in times past ? The reply was, " Because no 
breeder of horses nowadays will send a mare to a horse having 
ring-bone." A very good example for American horsemen to fol- 
low, for the disease is very prevalent in some parts of this country. 
A vast number of our best as well as inferior horses are the sub- 
jects of this infirmity. The disease lurks in breed, after the fash- 
ion of scrofula and consumption in the human subject. When 
both parents are affected, the disease in the offspring is doubly 
severe. 

The author just quoted remarks that " a coarse or half-breed, 
fleshy or bony-legged horse, with short and upright pasterns, is 
the ordinary subject of this disease ; and there exists satisfactory 
reasons why we should expect him to be so. The pastern and 
coffin bones constitute the nethermost of the column of bones 
composing the limbs, and being so, they receive the entire weight 
and force transmitted from above. The pastern, being long and 
oblique in position, receives the superincumbent weight on such an 
indirect line that, bending toward the ground with the fetlock, 
nothing like jar nor concussion follows. The very reverse of this, 
however, happens every time the foot of a limb, having a short, 
upright pastern, comes to the ground. In such, instead of the 
weight descending obliquely upon the sessamoids, and the fetlock 
bending therewith, it descends directly, or nearly so, upon the 
pasterns, making this bone entirely dependent on the bone beneath 
it for counteracting concussion ; and should any thing occur to 
diminish this, or to throw more weight on the bones beneath than 
they can counteract, jar of the whole apparatus ensues ; and an 
effort of Nature to strengthen the parts, by investing them with 
callous and ossification, is likely to be the ultimate result ; for we 
would view ring-bone, disease though it must assuredly be called, 
a recourse of Nature to strengthen weak parts, the bones being 
unequal to the exertions or efforts required of them." 
Another quotation may possibly interest the reader : 
" Ring-bone is an exostosis (a growth of bone from bone) situated 
around the coronet, mostly near the pastern joint, at other times 
just above it; and not unfrequently the joint becomes anchylosed, 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 339 

owing to the spread of ossification; that is, the coffin bone and 
pastern bone become united together by bony growth. Ring- 
bones are the result of hereditary predisposition, structural organi- 
zation, and accident. As to hereditary predisposition, there is no 
doubt but that some sires, the subjects of spavin, ring-bone, and 
other forms of exostosis, father foals which often, sooner or later, 
themselves become victims of the same disease. The same law 
applies to dams. Breeders of horses are fully aware of this fact, 
and are, therefore, more careful than formerly in the selection of 
parents for the purposes of breeding from. As to form, many 
living cases which now exist prove the truth of the statement that 
low-bred, coarse-limbed horses, with short, upright pasterns, are 
frequently subjects of ring-bone. Why such should be the case 
with animals with upright pasterns is easily explained, as follows : 
The pastern bones in a well-formed limb ought to form an oblique 
angle with the cannon-bone (metacarpus) placed above them ; 
whereas, if the pastern is upright, the column of bones from the 
elbow-joint to the foot is, necessarily, placed in one and the same 
straight line, causing, at every step made by the animal during 
progression, a severe concussive shock to be produced on the whole 
column of bones, but more especially on the pastern bones, owing 
to the superincumbent weight of the bones above them. Thus one 
or more of the pastern-bones become injured and inflamed, and, 
finally, as a consequence, exostosis ensues, the coronet becomes in- 
volved, and the disease denominated ring-bone is set up." 

Mr. Percivall quotes from Gibson : " When a well-formed, 
high-bred horse happens to have a ring-bone, we may conclude it 
to proceed from some accident rather than from any natural fault. 
The disease may also be produced by a blow to the part, and from 
the efforts made to increase speed, when concussion causes injury, 
inflammation, and consequent exostosis to the bones of the pastern. 
As to treatment, we should recommend the proprietors of young 
horses, subject to ring-bones, to place their horses in a state of 
nature, by removing the shoes from their feet, and by turning out 
to grass. If this, after a fair trial, fail, then the treatment for 
spavin and other exostosis must be resorted to, such as blistering 
the affected part and keeping the animal on a low diet. No dis- 
ease is more troublesome to treat, or more demands the strict at- 
tention of a skillful veterinarian." 

Causes. — The exciting causes of ring-bone are ligamentary 



340 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

sprains, brought about by overwork, extraordinary feats of strength 
in drawing heavy loads, etc. In short, either sprain, injury, blow, 
or bruise may act as the pathological spark to bring about the 
disease. 

Eegarding the treatment of ring-bone, it would be interesting, 
and perhaps amusing, to call attention to some of the heroic 
methods of combating this malady ; but the animal has nerves of 
sensibility, and is as keenly alive to pain as one of us ; therefore 
it is not really pleasant to dwell on the atrocities which are not 
unfrequently practiced . on this noble animal. A very common 
error exists in the minds of some people that ring-bone is fed by 
a bladder at the posterior part of the pastern, which has about as 
much to do in the production of the disease as the author of this 
work. This error would not amount to much, however, only it 
has led to the infliction of a cruel operation, without the least 
advantage ; namely, the cutting out of the bladder. Now, this so- 
called bladder is, in reality, a bursal sac, the use of which is to 
secrete synovia, to be used for the purpose of guarding against 
friction ; therefore, the extraction of it must be disadvantageous to 
the parts. 

It seems that ring-bone is not enough torment for the poor brute 
to suffer, but he must, in addition, submit to a species of cruelty 
unheard of'in the annals of human medicine. Such treatment is 
wrong, and every man who loves a horse should set his face against 
it, and use every effort for the purpose of putting a step to the 
practice of all barbarity in the treatment of domestic animals. 

Treatment. — The question to decide, when we underta Ke to treat 
a case of this character is, whether the disease is in the acute or 
chronic stage. Experience teaches us that nearly all diseases may 
be divided into two classes : First, the acute, or thosf which come 
on suddenly, attended by pain and fever, or, rather, '.ebrile symp- 
toms ; for there are no primary fevers in the horse. Equine fevers 
are always called into existence, or accompany a pathological con- 
dition which frequently existed, and the fever is i 1 exact ratio to 
the intensity of the disease. Cure the disease and the fever ceases. 
Acute diseases also tend to termination within a short period of 
time, or else run into the chronic stage. Secondly, the chronio 
stage. Chronic diseases are those of slow progress, and exceed in 
duration the ordinary existence of the acute class. They may 
arise in consequence of acute disorders, or be developed originally, 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 341 

in the form which they long afterward preserve. For the most 
part, chronic disease and lameness are not marked by any violent 
symptoms, nor are they accompanied with much pain, if the horse 
be kept at rest. 

Suppose the disease to have first made its appearance, the parts 
will be hot and painful ; but the idea of curing ring-bone — that 
is, restoring the parts to their normal condition — is really absurd ; 
for, when once the bones are anchylosed, the joint never can per- 
form its natural function again. The new growths (exostosis), 
and the changes of structure that occur within and about the. 
region of disease, are a part of Nature's own handiwork, in view 
of strengthening a weak bone or joint. Our object in the treat- 
ment, therefore, is merely to aid Nature. Excuse the animal from 
work, and apply sedative lotions (cold-water dressings) so long as 
the acute stage lasts ; then, when the case passes into the chronic 
stage, apply counter-irritants for a week or two, and, finally, turn 
the patient out to grass. The following will be found an effective 
sedative lotion : 

No. 55. Spirits of camphor 2 oz. 

Fluid extract of wormwood 1 oz. 

Vinegar 5 oz. 

To be applied twice daily. 

The following is an excellent counter-irritant for ring-bone in 
its chronic stage : 



No. 56. Cod-liver oil 
Kerosene . . . 



I equal parts. 



Apply once or twice daily, until a crop of pustules appear ; then 
omit the application, and reapply it at the expiration of two or 
three intermitting periods. 

The remedies used by veterinary surgeons generally, are oil of 
cantharides, acetate of cantharides, blistering ointment, ointment 
of biniodide of mercury, and, lastly, the actual cautery, or heated 
iron. I have tried all except the latter, which savors too much 
of barbarity, and I never found any thing to equal the preparation 
here recommended — namely, cod-liver oil and kerosene. 

NAVICUL ARTHRITIS (NAVICULAR DISEASE). 

Navicularthritis is an acute disease, supposed to be confined to 
the navicular region, or joint, which is in the posterior part of the 



342 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

foot. The navicular bone (sometimes called the shuttle-bone) is 
so placed as to strengthen the union between the lower pastern 
and the coffin bone, and to enable the flexor tendon, which passes 
over it, in order to be inserted into the bottom of the coffin bone, 
to act with more advantage. There is a good deal of weight 
thrown on the navicular bone, and from the navicular bone to 
the tendon, and there is a great deal of motion or play between 
them in the bending and extension of the pasterns. It is very 
easy, therefore, to conceive that from sudden concussion, or from 
rapid and unrestrained motion, the delicate membrane which covers 
the bone, or the cartilage of the bone, may become diseased. The 
bone sometimes becomes ulcerated and fractured, so that it renders 
the horse almost perpetually lame. 

Symptoms. — The principal symptom of this affection is pointing 
of the foot. If the horse be watched, when standing still in the 
stable or on the street, it will be noticed that the affected limb is 
advanced or pointed in such a manner as to relieve the navicular 
bone of any pressure from the flexor tendon, and this occurs in 
the chronic stage as well as in the acute. It will be observed, 
also, that the animal, when traveling, takes short steps, goes on 
the toe, and tries to favor the heel, or posterior parts, as much as 
possible. The favoring of the heel tends to destroy the function 
of expansibility of the hoof, and contraction of the same is the 
result. 

Treatment. — Should the disease be discovered early, that is, in 
the acute stage, the foot should be placed in a boot lined with a 
sponge. The latter is to be kept constantly wet with a portion 
of vinegar and water, equal parts. This may be continued for a 
period of twenty-four hours, at the end of which time bathe the 
coronet and heels with tincture of arnica. Light diet and perfect 
quiet, as in every other variety of inflammatory disease, are always 
necessary. 

In old chronic cases we resort to counter-irritation, through re- 
peated applications of the acetate of cantharides. Should there be 
any appearance of contraction, the heels of the hoof must be well 
opened, and the walls of the hoof, near the heels, must be rasped 
thin, so as not only to favor the expansibility of the foot, but also 
with a view to relieve the navicular region of any undue pres- 
sure. 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 343 

Stifle Out (Dislocation or Luxation of the Stifle 

Bone). 

The patella of the horse, or stifle bone, as it is familiarly known, 
corresponds to the knee-pan of man, and answers the same pur- 
pose ; that is, to facilitate motion, and protect the two extremities 
of the bones which compose the stifle-joint. It is retained in situ 
at the anterior part of the inferior extremity of the thigh bone and 
superior extremity of the tibia. 

An accident of this character is generally accompanied with con- 
siderable pain and uneasiness ; but the most notable symptom is, 
the bone is thrown off its pulley-like articulatory surface, and thus 
the recti and vasti muscles (the latter being direct extensors of the 
leg or thigh, and the action of the former being similar) are, for 
the time being, paralyzed ; that is to say, their action is suspended. 
If they act at all, it is under great disadvantage, and at the expense 
of their muscular integrity. The liability to luxation of the stifle 
bone (patella) is not so great as some persons would have us be- 
lieve. The bone is secured in its position by a number of strong 
ligaments — has a complete articulatory joint of its own, whose 
capsular ligaments have strong attachments to surround them. The 
muscles, tensor vaginae, rectus, vasti faschia, panniculus carnosus, 
subcellular substance and integument, all operate favorably against 
the chances of luxation. The accident, however, does sometimes 
occur — not, perhaps, from any disarrangement of the mechanical 
order of the parts by violence, such as might be operative in dis- 
location of the thigh or arm bones, but often from spasm, cramp, 
etc., of certain muscles in the immediate vicinity of the parts. 

" I think his stifle is out," is a very common complaint made 
by horse-owners when a horse becomes lame, and the " neighbors " 
can not discover the exact location of the same. They hastily 
conclude, if the lameness is in the hind extremity, that the " stifle 
is out" (luxated). Here is a case in point. I received a message 
some time ago, to visit a horse said to have " his stifle out." On 
making examination of the foot on the lame side, I found it much 
hotter than its fellow on the opposite side. The owner, at the 
moment, remarked that there was " no trouble in the foot." He, 
however, was mistaken ; for I found that a nail had entered the 
posterior part of the cleft of the frog, which I extracted, and this 
was the sole cause of lameness. I might relate a number of mis- 



344 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

takes of this kind, all going to show how very apt people are to 
be deceived regarding the seat of lameness in horses. In short, 
judging from my own experience, and the testimony offered by 
other professional men, it may be confidently asserted that luxation 
of the patella is quite a rare accident. These remarks are intended 
for the instruction of the non-professional reader. Persons con- 
versant with the anatomy of the horse are not expected to make 
such a mistake as the one just alluded to ; hence they do not stand 
in need of the author's advice. 

Method of reducing dislocation of the patella. — The means of re- 
duction are very simple. The patella will be found on the lower 
and outer condyle of the thigh bone. With one hand let the 
operator grasp the leg, just below the hock, and raise it from the 
ground in an upward and forward direction; the other hand em- 
braces the stifle bone, and by a simultaneous action of pressing the 
latter inward, and the bones that compose the joint backward, the 
reduction is soon effected. The bone, in returning to its natural 
situation, emits a sound such as usually follows that of a dislocated 
bone just at the moment when slipping into the socket. A recent 
dislocation, when reduced, needs no after-treatment, except the 
occasional application of an astringent and a couple of days' rest ; 
but, should the bone have remained unreduced for many hours, we 
may infer that the muscles and ligaments have been stretched or 
distended too long in one direction, and that, on reduction, the 
fibers of the muscles concerned may not immediately contract; 
hence the bone is apt to slip oif its articulatory surface again. To 
guard against this mishap, a man must be stationed beside the 
horse. He must keep his hand on the bone, and by pressure, 
when the horse moves, retain it in its proper place. At the same 
time, the part is to be bathed with some astringent. An infusion 
of white-oak bark will answer ; or, failing to obtain this article, 
apply alum-water, in the proportion of two ounces of alum to one 
quart of water. 

Contraction of the Hoof. 

Contraction of the hoof is so easily recognized by persons accus- 
tomed to handle horses, that very little needs to be written on that 
subject. A contracted foot " speaks for itself," as the saying is. 
The heels are approximated too closely, and this mars the beauty 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 345 

and form of the foot. Contraction is almost always, in its first 
stage, accompanied by lameness. Faulty shoeing is said to have 
considerable to do in the production of contracted feet ; yet there 
are plenty of horses, having strong, thick, walled hoofs, very wide 
at the heels, often shod in the worst possible manner, and their 
heels never contract. It is certain, therefore, that a predisposition 
to contraction lurks in some breeds of horses, which is shown by 
their having weak quarters and a thin, shelly hoof. A contracted 
hoof, which is very thin at the heels, may not occasion lameness, 
because it is more elastic than the thick, walled hoof, and gives to 
the lateral pressure of the foot when it comes to the ground. 

Perctvall contends that "shoeing must be regarded as the 
main cause, indirect though it be, of contraction ; and to the modifi- 
cation or correction of it must we look for the prophylactic. Shoe- 
ing, as it respects horses, has been said to be 'a necessary evil/ 
Without shoes, upon our artificial roads, we can not make use of 
horses ; and no shoes have been found to answer save such as are 
hard and inflexible or metallic, and as are fixed to the hoofs with 
nails. Here, therefore, we find ourselves in an awkward dilemma. 
"We can not do without horseshoes ; and from the moment we nail 
them to the hoofs, the feet begin to undergo more or less alteration 
in form, and, in too many instances, to experience harm from their 
application. The art of shoeing has given rise to a wonderful deal 
of difference of opinion and controversy, some thinking one shape 
of shoe answered best, some another ; while some prefer one mode 
of nailing it upon the hoof, others a different one. As far as my 
own experience has served as a guide to me through this labyrinth 
of opinion, I have ever found that method of shoeing the prefera- 
ble one which approached the nearest to Nature, or, in other words, 
which interfered the least with the economy of the foot. If we 
cpuld do without them, horseshoes would, undoubtedly, be best 
abolished altogether • but, since this is impracticable, let us adopt 
such shoes and modes of attaching them to the hoofs as are found 
to work the least mischief to the feet. On this principle it is that 
a half shoe is to be preferred to a whole shoe, and for the same 
reason it is that tips, of all the horseshoes that were ever invented, 
are the best; that is, the least objectionable. If those in the pro- 
fession would come forward and inform us of their experience 
(if they have had any) of tip-shoeing, I believe it would uni- 
formly be found that, whatever objection might be urged against 



346 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

the use of tips, no one would deny their tendency the least to 
interfere with the operations of the foot. If there be any horse- 
shoe calculated to prevent contraction, and navicularthritis as 
well, I feel no hesitation myself in pronouncing that horseshoe to 
be the tip. In saying so much, I am fully aware that tip-shoeing 
can not be introduced into general practice for reason of the roads 
horses have to travel and work upon, and of the numbers of horses 
having hoofs of too weak and brittle a fiber to stand work without 
chipping and breaking and wearing too rapidly away. On horses, 
however, whose hoofs are strong and hard enough, and whose 
work is light enough to admit of their wearing tips for any length 
of time, or in situations where the roads or parts of the country 
they have to do their work upon enable them to wear tips con- 
stantly, no wholly-shod horses' feet will ever bear a comparison 
with theirs. 

Pressure to the frog. — Coleman's favorite prophylactic against 
contraction (considering shoeing to be an indispensable evil) must 
certainly be regarded as next in importance, as a preventive, to 
getting quit of the shoe itself, or of part of it. The frog being 
a body which in action operates in the expansion of the hoof, the 
removal of it, or even the impairment of it, must, necessarily, give 
facility to contraction. It therefore behooves us, in ordinary shoe- 
ing, to look well to the preservation of the integrity of this im- 
portant part of the foot. 

The cutting away of the bars in shoeing, through robbing the 
hoof of a couple of stays operating against the closure of its heels, 
conduces to its contraction. Nature gave the bars as a sort of 
buttress against either heel of the hoof, to oppose its drawing in- 
ward, while the frog, placed between the heels, is operating in 
forcing them asunder ; consequently, if the bars be removed, the 
expansive or counteractive powers of the hoof lose an agent they 
can, in many cases, ill afford to be deprived of. 

The contracting effects of heat and drought on the hoof may be 
guarded against by keeping the horse's stall free from ferment- 
able litter, while the atmosphere of the stable is maintained cool 
and unpolluted. The practice, also, of stopping horses' feet (or, 
what I believe to be better, of wearing swabs in the stable) will 
likewise tend to guard against the contracting effects of these 
agents. We now come to the 

Treatment of contracted feet. — The first thing to determine, when- 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 347 

ever a case of contraction is submitted to us for treatment, will be 
whether it be one of the pure or mixed description. If the former, 
the horse not therefore lame, and his feet be submitted to our in- 
spection simply from the apprehension of his becoming lame, and 
the contraction be on this account desired to be removed, the simple 
and best means of doing so will be to substitute tips for the horse's 
ordinary shoes, and to order that he stand with his contracted feet 
in cold water (or, what is better, in a bed of clay) for a couple of 
hours, once or twice a day, he being allowed to lie down, as usual, 
at night. By such a simple plan of treatment as this will his hoofs, 
giving sufficiency of time for Nature to carry out her operations, 
become restored to their pristine condition." 

The author's method of treating contraction is, to soften the 
hoof by soaking it often in warm water ; then open the heels by 
means of the drawing-knife ; rasp the quarters of the hoof; then 
pare the foot, but do not touch the bars nor frog ; then put on a 
light shoe, and use the animal, daily, at light work. It will be 
proper, also, to anoint the hoof, frog, and sole occasionally with 
a portion of fish oil and spirits of turpentine, equal parts. This 
will soon soften the hoof, and render it elastic. 

Hoop-bound. 

This term is usually applied to hoofs that appear to be dry, 
brittle, unyielding, and having the appearance of more or less 
contraction at the heels. The hoof, under such circumstances, 
" pinches the foot," as the saying is, or, rather, embraces the soft 
tissues too closely. The consequence is, pain, fever, lameness, and 
perhaps, finally, organic disease of the foot. The condition of the 
foot termed hoof-bound usually occurs in horses laboring under 
some predisposition to the same ; that is to say, they have faulty 
feet, which fault may be either functional or structural, and thus 
the foot may be affected accordingly whenever the ordinary causes 
of disease are in operation. 

Causes. — The ordinary or exciting causes of diseases of the feet 
are said to be faulty shoeing; allowing horses to stand on plank 
floors, or in any situation which is likely to pervert the function 
of the foot; sometimes the feet are very much neglected, and 
scarcely, if ever, make the acquaintance of sponge and water, and 
it is very certain that uncleanliness has a bad effect upon the feet, 



348 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

as it is known to have on other parts of the body. " No prince 
ever died of the plague," shows that the ablutions daily practiced 
by persons of refinement, occupying an exalted position in society, 
operate as a preventive against even a mortal malady. Yet, not- 
withstanding all this, it is proper for us to remark that some horses 
are occasionally the subjects of foot maladies, notwithstanding the 
very best system of shoeing is practiced on them ; and others, that 
never stood on a plank floor or inclined plane, are in the same pre- 
dicament; so, also, are some that have their feet washed often. 
This goes to show that if animals under the very best care and 
management get hoof-bound, or contracted feet, it is due to a pre- 
disposition which they have either inherited or acquired, and, as 
the old saying is, they would not enjoy bodily health unless they 
were hoof-bound. 

It is very evident that many diseases of the feet are traceable 
to bad shoeing. Some persons seem to suppose that the, foot of a 
horse is as insensible as stone; and, when we see the blacksmith 
wrenching off shoes by main force, often fracturing the hoof or 
breaking off a portion of the bars, frog, and sole, with as little 
care as a man would rough-trim a log, and afterward applying a 
red-hot shoe to the thinned sole, we might be led to infer that the 
foot is really insensible. The Hon. Marshall, P. Wilder thus 
denounces such bad practice : 

" I know of no greater evidence of inhumanity to that noble 
animal the horse, than the almost universal custom of paring down 
the foot and burning on the shoe. It has ever, to my mind, been 
among the barbarisms of the age, which I trust will be no longer 
countenanced by civilized society ; and I sympathize with the 
efforts of every one engaged in correcting such dangerous prac- 
tices." 

The practice, also, of using a pair of pinchers on the feet, in 
view of discovering some real or supposed lameness, is equally 
barbarous, and often results in bruises of the sole, and should, 
therefore, be discountenanced. 

Treatment. — The blacksmith should so prepare the foot and fit 
the shoe that the frog may be brought in contact with the ground . 
over which the horse travels. This not only prevents undue con- 
cussion, which would otherwise occur, but tends, also, to expand 
the heels, and preserve the natural tread and function of the foot. 
Having prepared the foot in a proper manner, we then, if the sea- 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 349 

son of the year permits, apply cold water to the hoofs, often and 
freely. At night the feet are to be wiped perfectly dry, and, by 
means of a sponge, a portion of the following mixture must be 
rubbed on : Kerosene oil and honey,- equal parts ; or neats-foot 
oil and turpentine, equal parts. Notwithstanding the very best 
treatment, the restoration of the foot to comparative or natural 
soundness will be a work of time, and sometimes, in bad cases, or 
one of long standing, an impossibility ; yet the above treatment is 
the best we are acquainted with. Some persons prefer to use 
moistened clay, cow-dung, etc., but they are of no value, only in 
consequence of the moisture they contain, and clean water is far 
preferable. 

The Mechanism of the Hoof. — A brief exposition of the mechan- 
ism of the hoof may possibly interest the reader. The external 
covering of the foot may be divided into four parts ; namely, the 
wall, bars, sole, and frog. The external portion, or wall, serves to 
defend the sensitive tissues within. The wall, or hoof, is composed 
of small filaments, or hollow tubes, consolidated in such a manner 
as to preserve their canals distinct. These canals constitute the ex- 
crementitious outlets of the hoof, from which morbid materials find 
an outlet, and in these canals are found the vessels by which horn 
is secreted or produced. The small vessels arising from the vas- 
cular and nervous tissues of the foot proper enter, also, into these 
canals. The bars are a continuation of the external portion just 
described. They form an angle at the heels, which terminates to- 
ward the toe. They thus serve to give strength and durability to 
the hoof, and also to prevent contraction at the heels. When 
these bars are cut away or demolished by means of the butteris, 
then the foot often goes to "rack and ruin." The sole is much 
more elastic than the crust, and is a medium of the sensitive fac- 
ulty, through which, together with its powers of electricity, the 
percussion of the foot against the ground is regulated. The frog 
is much more elastic than either of the parts just described. Any 
unnecessary paring of the same is a monstrous evil. 

On the internal portion of the above-named parts we find a 
beautiful set of leaves (laminae), resembling those found in the 
under surface of a mushroom. Their number is said to be five 
hundred. These articulate with a like number given off" from the 
sensitive tissues of the foot proper, each laminae having two sides 
and an edge, from a series of articulations, numbering three thou- 



350 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

sand. The whole surface of these articulations measures four 
square feet ; hence, the horse having four feet, his body rests on 
sixteen square feet of surface, all contained within his hoofs. 

The reader will probably realize that a knowledge of the anat- 
omy and physiology of the foot is absolutely necessary, in order 
to practice, with any degree of success, the art of shoeing. How 
is this knowledge to be obtained? Can it be furnished at the 
forge, in the blacksmith shop ? Can such a complicated piece of 
mechanism be thoroughly understood by the craftsmen of the 
forge, who have never made the subject one of scientific inquiry? 

Let it not be understood that I am in a fault-finding mood. 
The fact is, the husbandmen of this country have failed to put 
their shoulders to the wheel for the purpose of establishing and 
endowing veterinary schools in this country, and if blacksmiths 
and " vets " do not understand the anatomy of horses feet, the for- 
mer, who have vast interests at stake, must come in for a share of 
the blame. On the other hand, we are disposed to be charitable 
toward blacksmiths ; and, taking into consideration the unyielding 
nature of our paved streets, and the rough ground over which 
some poor animals are forced to travel, the wonder is, that their 
feet are not oftener diseased. 



Laminitis, or Acute Disease of the Laminjs of 
the Foot. 

Laminitis, or fever in the feet, is an acute affection, confined to 
the sensitive tissues within the hoof. It is one of the most pain- 
ful maladies to which the horse is subject. 

Symptoms. — It manifests itself, very frequently, after a long 
drive or race. The horse may be put into the stable at night all 
right. In the morning he is observed to be all in a heap, as the 
saying is — his flesh quivering, pulse very active, respirations quick 
and jerking ; the flanks are tucked up, the back is roached, and the 
fore-feet are sent forward, so that the animal treads on his heels ; 
and, when compelled to move, he endeavors to throw the weight 
of his body on the hind legs. He is thirsty and feverish, but has 
no appetite. All appearances about him indicate that he suffers 
great pain. AYhen a hand is placed upon the fore-feet, they feel 
unnaturally hot. Such are the most prominent symptoms of 
laminitis, or fever in the feet. 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 



351 



Treatment. — The principal objects to be accomplished are, to 
keep the feet cool by frequent sponging with cold water ; next, the 
bowels must be kept loose my means of bran-mashes, or, if neces- 
sary, a dose of Glauber salts — dose, twelve ounces, dissolved in a 
pint of warm water, to which add half a gill of syrup — and an 
occasional enema of soap-suds, and also a few doses of fluid extract 
of gelseminum, say two drachms night and morning. This is the 
kind of treatment that the author has found most successful dur- 
ing a long period of practice. 







■ 




EXTREMITY OF ONE OF THE FORE LIMBS. 



Explanation. — a, The region of the coronet; 6, The sensitive laminse; c, The point of the 
toe ; d, The quarters ; e. The heel ; /, The sole ; g, The solar border. 



Many who treat such diseases are apt to do too much. Youatt, 
and several other writers, recommend repeated bleedings, blisters, 
and purges, and even tell us to bleed in the chronic stage. This 
is all wrong, and such outrageous treatment is almost sure to end 
in suppuration, founder, or ruin. (See article on Inflammation.) 
The patient must be kept at rest, and, if he should lie down, must 
not be disturbed. I never remove the shoes, because the patient 
is in so much pain that he can not stand on the frog or sole, and 
the shoes are a protection to the frog. 



352 dadd's veterinary medicine and surgery. 

Sand-crack. 

" The name of sand-crack seems of questionable application. It 
is, evidently, a compound of the word sand and crack, as though 
it denoted a crack with sand in it, or a crack occurring in a sandy 
country, or in a dry, sandy season, which several derivations have 
been ascribed to the term. May not the word sand admit of res- 
olution into its primitive signification, and mean in this, as in 
other instances, a sundered crack? A sand-crack may be defined 
to be a longitudinal division in the fibers of the wall of the hoof, 
amounting to a flaw simply, or else to a cleft or fissure through 
the substance of the horn. 

The direction of the crack is slanting, from above downward, 
and from behind forward, following the course of the fibers of the 
hoof. A sand-crack in the side of the wall slants more than one 
in front, owing to the greater obliquity of the course of the horny 
fibers, as we proceed from the toe to the heel of the foot. 

There are two kinds of sand-crack, quarter sand-crack and toe 
sand-crack, the former occurring in the fore, the latter in the hind 
foot. At least this is generally the case. It is rare to find the 
reverse, though there are occasions on which we meet with sand- 
crack in the toe of the fore-foot and the quarter of the hind foot. 
It is possible for cracks to occur in other parts of the hoof; but 
in these two situations it is that veritable sand-crack occurs, and 
there are here, as we shall find hereafter, special causes for their 
production, Let us first consider 

Quarter Crack. 

The situation of this crack is the slanting line of the wall of 
the hoof, directly opposed to the extremity of the wing of the 
coffin bone ; and it is oftener found in the inner than in the outer 
quarter, added to which the hoof in which sand-crack occurs is 
always a contracted one, quarter sand-crack, no more than toe 
sand-crack, never happening in a hoof disposed to obliquity and 
flatness. The same description of foot which is predisposed to 
contraction is, for the same reasons, predisposed to sand-crack. 
There is an obvious connection between contraction and quarter 
sand-crack. The light, near-the-ground stepping horse, with 
strong, narrow, upright hoofs, will be equally likely, under cer- 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 353 

tain conditions, to have the heels of his fore hoofs becoming con- 
tracted, and exhibiting quarter sand-cracks. Hot stables conduce 
to this, but, more still, hot climates. Hurtrel d'Arboval informs 
us that at the time the French army was in Egypt, their horses 
were continually having sand-cracks; and he adds that long 
voyages on board of ship are, on some occasions, attended with 
like results. 

The proximate cause of quarter sand-crack is, then, contraction. 
The horn, from dryness, or other cause, rendered cracky and 
fragile, breaks at the quarter of the wall, from being at that 
part bent across the edge of the ala of the coffin bone, during the 
curving in of the heel, the result of contraction ; and this oftenest 
happens to the inner quarter, from its being the thinner and 
weaker one, as well as from being the one which is the first and 
most disposed to contract — not that sand-crack is the necessary 
consequence of contraction, but that contraction becomes a neces- 
sary precursor to sand-crack. If this were not the explanation 
of the case, sand-crack would be as likely to occur in any part of 
the wall as at the quarter, and on the outer as often as on the 
inner side of the wall. This likewise accounts for the compara- 
tive unfrequency of quarter sand-crack at the present day among 
our nag and cavalry horses, since that which has tended to dimin- 
ish the frequency of contraction has had the same eifect in regard 
to the occurrence of sand-crack. Greater attention to shoeing, 
and increased care about the condition of the hoof itself, has, no 
doubt, had a very beneficial effect in the prevention both of con- 
traction and sand-crack. 

The origin of sand-crack is usually sudden, both in the fore 
and hind feet, though in the former case, from its situation in the 
inner quarter, a part not exposed to transient view, it is possible 
for a crack to exist for some time, unless lameness happens to 
arise from it without being discovered. The crack first takes place 
through the superior or coronary border of the hoof, that being 
composed of newly-formed horn, and, consequently, thin and 
fragile. Quickly it extends downward, through the thickest part 
of the wall, stopping, as it does in some instances, at least for a 
time, half way down, and afterward reaching nearly or quite to 
the bottom. 

Sand-crack is either penetrant or non-penetrant. It is usually 
penetrant, by which we mean the crack extends completely through 
23 



354 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

the thickness of the hoof, and produces lesion of the sensitive parts 
underneath the horn, giving rise to some little hemorrhage in the 
first instance, and subsequently to more or less inflammation — 
occasionally, even to suppuration, depending, of course, on the 
extent and nature and duration of the lesion, as well as on any 
treatment, or aggravation from non-treatment, it may have re- 
ceived since being occasioned. When the crack does not extend 
through the substance of the wall — which it sometimes does not 
at first, though it may do so afterward — it may be said to be non- 
penetrant; and this, when it happens, seems to be referable to 
a sort of natural fusion there certainly exists between the solid 
horn, as it descends from its secreting gland, (the coronet,) and 
the horny laminas (new matter), which become glued to it in its 
course downward. It is in this uniting horny medium that seedy 
toe commences and progresses. 

Lameness is the usual accompaniment of penetrant sand-crack, 
but not the invariable one. When penetrant it is said to arise 
from the sensitive laminae getting pinched between the sides of 
the crack. However this may be, inflammation following the 
lesion has certainly its share in causing pain during action. In 
general, the lameness does not amount to much, nor is it of long 
duration, provided the sand-crack receive proper and timely at- 
tention ; but if the crack is not heeded, action of the foot will much 
aggravate the malady, and end in lameness increased so much as 
to forbid further use being made of the animal. 

Toe Sand-crack. 

Occurring in the hind foot, as this crack almost invariably 
does, occupying a different situation in the hoof, and arising alto- 
gether from a different cause, toe sand-crack may be regarded as 
almost a distinct affection. 

The subject of it is not the light horse, but the heavy one — the 
cart and wagon-horse, the dray-horse, the latter especially ; and 
in particular, I believe, in paved cities, they are the sufferers from 
this disease. I say ' sufferers/ because it is only those veterinary 
surgeons whose practice lies among horses of this description that 
have any conception of the amount of pain and irritation with 
which sand-crack — simple as it may seem to those who are in the 
habit of meeting quarter crack only — is found to be accompanied. 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 355 

The cause of toe sand-crack is violence. Shoeing, also, may 
have something to do in its production. The horses who are the 
subjects of it are those employed in laborious and straining draft. 
The toe of the hind foot is the grand fulcrum through which the 
hind limbs, the propellers of the body, exert their power ; and it 
is in some violent and forcible effort that the hind hoof, strained 
as it is to its uttermost, and in particular at the toe, splits, com- 
monly first at the coronet, the same as in the fore-foot, where the 
horn, but newly-formed, is then unresisting, the crack subse- 
quently extending gradually down the wall, even as far as the 
point of the toe. Digging the tip of the toe into the ground, or 
stamping it hard down upon the pavement, and especially when 
this stress upon the forepart of the wall is at all times promoted 
by high caulkings to the shoe, must certainly, one would think, 
be the main producer of toe sand-crack — an opinion still further 
favored by the observation which has been made of shaft-horses 
in drays being more subject to the accident than trace-horses. 
Still, however, for all this, it behooves me to say that, with the 
best judges of such matters, the point is one not yet set free from 
doubt and difference of thinking. Short and upright pasterns, 
with clubby prominent hoofs, indicate a predisposition to toe sand- 
crack, the disease being in no instances seen in flat, shelvy, ob- 
lique hoofs. It is said sand-crack may originate in tread. Un- 
doubtedly any lesion of the coronary body, sufficient to injure or 
destroy its secretory apparatus, may occasion imperfect or morbid 
formation of horn, or loss of horn altogether ; but I do not believe 
this to be a very common cause of sand-crack. 

The consequences of sand-crack in the hind hoof are, as I have 
before hinted, apt to be of a much more serious nature than any 
usually arising from a quarter sand-crack. Whether the crack 
extend to the bottom of the wall or not, being uniformly of the 
penetrant description, lameness, to greater or less degree, is the 
invariable result. And when the fissure does reach down to the 
toe, the wall opens and exposes the laininse, probably the whole 
way from the coronet downward, the consequence of which is in- 
flammation and suppuration of those parts, and sometimes even 
mortification and sloughing of them ; and not of them alone, but 
of the bone to which they are attached as well, which not unfre- 
quently runs into a state of caries, ending in defalcation of sub- 
stance, to be filled up by the effusion of callus, which usually 



356 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

terminates in exostosis, coated with some tissue very imperfectly 
representing the original laminated structure. 

Mr. Braby, the intelligent veterinary surgeon to Messrs. Bar- 
clay and Perkins' establishment, to whom I am indebted for much 
of the information I possess on this part of my subject, has had 
many cases of this description, one of which, of extraordinary char- 
acter, I shall relate here. One of his dray horses had suffered long 
and severely from toe sand-crack in one hind foot, but, at length, 
had recovered, and returned to work. Some time afterward, how- 
ever, during the season of influenza, he was attacked with a vio- 
lent laryngitis, which increased to a degree to call for the operation 
of tracheotomy, to save him from suifocation. Notwithstanding 
this temporary salvation, however, the patient, in the end, suc- 
cumbed to the disease. His post-mortem examination became 
doubly attractive, owing to the circumstance of the long-standing, 
and obstinate sand-crack he had suffered from heretofore, and tho 
result in this latter respect proved extremely interesting. The 
coffin bone, along its front, occupying the line of the surface be- 
tween the coronal process and the toe, exhibited a channel or loss 
of substance half an inch in breadth, and fully the same in depth, 
thereby robbing it of a quarter of an inch of its solid diameter. 
This, of course, left the bone considerably weakened, the result of 
which subsequently was, transverse fracture in two places, the 
fractures commencing upon the articulatory surface, whence they 
extended directly crosswise through the middle of its body, so as 
to become apparent upon its concave surface underneath. In 
addition to this, growing from the laminated interior of the wall 
of the hoof, opposite to the middle or deepest part of the channel 
in the coffin bone, was a projection of hard, horny, callous sub- 
stance, having a covering of imperfectly-formed horny laminae. 
At the time this horse was suffering in the greatest degree from 
this extraordinary product of sand-crack, constitutional irritation 
ran so high as even to create alarm for the animal's life. The 
treatment of sand-crack, whether it be in the quarter or in the toe, 
will have to be conducted upon principles applicable to both forms 
of the disease, though one must be regarded as of much more con- 
sequence than the other. The treatment of quarter sand-crack, 
generally speaking, is but comparatively a simple affair ; indeed, 
so lightly is it looked upon by horsemen in general, that we should 
run some risk of their displeasure, and our own reputation as 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 357 

well, were we to talk about laying a horse up for so trifling an 
accident. Nay, some horses, with non-penetrant sand-cracks, or 
with sand-cracks that have been penetrant, but have become horned 
over, showing little or no lameness, continue to work on without 
evincing any pain or inconvenience from them. Whether a horse 
be lame or not, however, should he have a sand-crack, and we be 
consulted about it, it becomes our duty to arrest the extension of 
the crack so long as it be but partial ; and, besides that, to take 
measures for the cure or permanent removal of the crack. The 
owner of the horse should be given to understand that no flaw or 
crack in the hoof can, by possibility, unite the same as a wound 
in a vital part does, but must, as the saying is, grow down ; that 
is, must be replaced by new horn, and be itself, by degrees, re- 
newed, as it continues to come under the operation of the drawing- 
knife every time the horse is fresh shod ; so that, in fact, the cure, 
or obliteration of the crack, is necessarily a work of some months, 
though the lameness may be cured in as many hours or days. 

Paring out the crack, the shoe being taken oif the foot, is the 
first thing to be done. The cutting cautiously away of its rugged 
edges, and the scooping out, with a light hand, (probably with 
the back of the drawing-knife,) of its cavity, will enable us to 
examine into the condition of it. Should there be no lesion or 
exposure of the laminae detectable, nothing further will be needed 
from the drawing-knife than the cleaning out of the crack. 

Firing the crack is the next operation. Cross-firing will be 
advisable below or above, or in both situations, according to cir- 
cumstances. So long as the crack has not reached to the bottom 
of the wall, it will be requisite, with an ordinary firing-iron, at a 
red heat, to burn a deep but short fissure, or ' mark/ across its 
lower extremity; and whether a similar operation be required 
across the superior termination of the crack, must depend upon 
its extension or not through the horn at the coronet. If there be 
any interval of sound horn between the hair and the crack, of 
sufficient breadth and substance to bear firing, a very slight burn 
may do good. In all cases it is the practice to finish the firing 
with running the sharp edge of the iron down the crack ; and this 
certainly proves beneficial in destroying any tendency there may 
be (supposing the laminae to have become denuded) to abnormal 
action, as well to stimulate any vascular parts exposed to issue 
horny matter to cover in the bottom of the crack. 



358 DADDS VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Binding up the crack is a good practice after firing. With a 
wax-end of sufficient length (such as shoemakers use) bind round 
the wall of the hoof, so that any tar or pitch-plaster it may be 
deemed advisable to place in or upon the crack may be maintained 
there; at the same time the hoof itself is, by the tight binding, 
restricted in any tendency it may have to expand, and thereby 
open wider the crack. 

A bar-shoe is the preferable one for a sancl-cracked foot. By 
it, the bearing being taken off that part of the wall which is oppo- 
site to the crack, the pressure and jar, so continually splitting 
afresh the new-formed horn over the crack at the coronet, is put 
a stop to, the formation of an undivided coronary horny band be- 
ing the commencement of the radical cure of the sand-crack. As 
I said before, horn being an inorganic substance, no union what- 
ever can take place in the crack itself. Permanent cure can be 
effected only through obliteration by the growing out or down of 
the crack. This, I repeat, is the reason why a sand-crack occupies 
so long a time in its removal ; though, by way of compensation, a 
horse is not kept out of work while cure is being effected ; for, 
after the crack has been bound up, and the hoof shod with a bar- 
shoe, it is quite surprising to find how soundly and firmly the 
animal sometimes steps upon the foot of which he had but now 
been so lame. 

The treatment adopted by the late Mr. Read, V. S., of Cred- 
iton, carries the same object into execution, through a different 
method of procedure. This, as detailed in the volume of the 
'Veterinarian' for 1848, consists in simply isolating the fissure 
within the segment of a circle, by means of an ordinary firing- 
iron. The best plan is to operate with the heel of the iron, be- 
ginning at the coronet with either extremity of the segment, and 
bringing the iron to a finish at the center. The iron should be at 
a strong red heat, and be carried through the horny crust until it 
touches lightly the sensible laminae, and so throughout the entire 
semicircle. As you recede from the coronet, so, in proportion, 
you will require to deepen the fissure in the crust. The iron 
ought to be applied every week or ten days. The first effect de- 
sirable to be produced is a bulging of the crust around the coronet 
within the segment, and when once this is fairly established, the 
cure may be said to be effected, it being seldom necessary to apply 
the cautery afterward. The old method of making a line with 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 359 

the iron across the fissure can not prevent the opening and closure 
of the fissure during the action of the foot; whereas, isolating the 
fissure (or part of it) within the segment of a circle completely 
effects the object. No tar-cord or strapping, or alteration of the 
shoe, is required to limit the motion of the crust, all motion being 
suspended within the segment, and especially after bulging has 
commenced. 

The objects of treatment, after what has been stated, will clearly 
appear to be, first, to place the hoof in such a condition as shall 
not render it liable to crack again; second, to remove that state 
of it which, in the first instance, disposed it to crack, if it were 
not of itself the immediate cause of cracking. The way in which 
the first object is effected has been already shown, and when this 
has become accomplished, past all risk of return, we may set about 
to bring into effect the second. A bar-shoe, from its taking the 
bearing off the quarters and placing it upon the frog, will, in a 
measure, give facility to what we now are desirous of preventing ; 
namely, the expansion of the heels of the foot ; but a tip (pro- 
viding it can be worn, which it frequently may, with great ad- 
vantage, after a bar-shoe) will bring about greater reform still — 
will, in fact, by persistence in its use, bring about, in time, that 
improved form of hoof* which will be no more liable to quarter 
sand-crack. 

The treatment of toe sand-crack is, in some respects, a different 
affair from that of quarter sand-crack. This disease is not only 
different in its relative situation as regards other parts of the foot, 
but it arises, as we have seen, from a totally different causation. 
When once it has occurred, it becomes, compared with the other, 
a serious affair. The horse is lame, too lame to continue his work, 
probably, and we have a penetrant crack to deal with, extending 
all, or nearly all, the way from the coronet to the toe, discharging 
blood, or, perhaps, matter of some ichorous, offensive description, 
plainly calling upon us for, not binding up, etc., as in the former 
case, but for opening, cleansing, and dressing the same. The shoe 
being taken off, let the crack be pared out, and freed "from all 
horny rags and asperities, and laid completely open to view, so 
that the bottom can be inspected and dressed with whatever may 
be deemed requisite. In fact, when once the fissure is dilated into 
a clean and open channel by the drawing-knife, warm baths or 
poultices, or dressings of any kind, as may become necessary, are 



360 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

now applicable, the case being in this stage no more than one of 
dilated sinus in the foot, similar to what might, in another situa- 
tion, be called quittor. As with the quarter sand-crack, the cure 
will, of course, be tedious in its duration, since we know that all 
complete repair can only come from the coronet. The sensitive 
laminae having the power of secreting horny lamina?, may, as in 
the quarter crack, issue a sort of horny covering-in of the bottom 
of the fissure ; but fissure or cleft will ever remain so long as an 
integral formation of horn does not grow down from the source of 
secretion. 

Whenever the horse is in a condition for work, a bar-shoe, so 
made that at the toe the sides of the shoe remain unjoined together, 
an interval being left of sufficient width to receive the crack in 
front of the hoof, is, perhaps, the best. Binding the hoof up with 
circles of wax-end, as in the case of quarter sand-crack, with some 
plaster or dressing underneath it, will also now become advisable. 
It will restrict the spreading inclination of the hoof, as well as 
keep dirt and wet out of the crack. Repetition of this, and the 
continuance of the bar-shoe, will be required so long as there ap- 
pears any risk of an extension or renewal of the crack.' " * 

The diseases of the hoof here alluded to are very apt to occur in 
horses whose walls of the hoof are thin and brittle. They are, to 
a certain extent, non-elastic, and, therefore, do not ward oif the 
necessary amount of concussion when the animal is traveling over 
hard roads. At the same time there is always a liability to incip- 
ient and permanent contraction in such hoof. More especially is 
this the case when the foot is mutilated by paring or cutting away 
the bars (the main stages or supports which prevent the heels 
approximating). These are the kind of feet on which the but- 
teris-knife and rasp should be used with great caution ; for, being 
naturally weak, and perhaps congenitally defective in the function 
of secreting horn, and the necessary amount of moisture to keep 
the part pliant, any unnecessary tinkering with such tools is inad- 
missible. Such hoofs lack moisture; therefore they should be 
well soaked, night and morning, in warm water ; afterward wiped 
dry, and then smeared with a portion of the following : 

No. 57. Neats-foot oil 8 oz. 

Kerosene 4 oz. 

Lamp-black 1 table-spoonful. 

* London " Veterinarian." 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 361 

Mix well, and apply twice daily, by means of a common varnish- 
brush. 

Very many diseases of the feet, which are of daily occurrence, 
might be prevented by proper attention to the feet. " No foot, no 
horse ;" hence the feet need to be kept as free from filth as other 
parts of the body. I think that a great majority of English 
grooms pay as much, if not more, attention to horses feet than to 
other parts of the body, and thus many forms of foot lameness are 
avoided. 

Curvature and Disease of the Spine. 

The annexed engraving, represents a case of curvature of the 
spine in a downward direction, known in stable language as hol- 
low back. It usually, when it makes its appearance, occurs in 
aged horses, and probably arises from putting too much weight 
on the animal's back. 



fit $w r l ^^^ \Sm 

1 Mite 1 IVV / ■ 

lBlit$V ' \ i 1 - ill iIm 




6ECTI0N OF THE SPINE. 



It will be observed that two of the superior spinous processes 
of the vertebrse are united (anchylosed), and ossific deposits are 
thrown out on the surfaces of the spine. On the lower part, be- 
neath the diseased spine, a cleft is seen, showing that there is an 
incomplete dislocation, and the capsular ligament was probably 
dislocated or torn. 

It may be interesting to the reader to know, if he does not 
already, that the bones, like other parts of the body, are composed 
of arteries, veins, absorbent vessels, nerves, and a cellular texture. * 
They are endowed with vitality, are nourished, grow, waste, and 
are repaired, and undergo various mutations, according to the age 
of the animal ; and they are subject to disease analagous to the 



362 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

soft parts. To the phosphate of lime, which is, more or less, dis- 
tributed in their texture, they owe their solidity ; and perhaps it 
is to the same earthy substance that the difference in their vital 
properties, and in their diseases from those of the rest of the body, 
is to be referred. In fact, this particular organization and inferior 
vitality of the bones are generally supposed to account for the 
small number, peculiar character, and general slow progress of 
their diseases. 

Treatment. — So soon as a horse shows any symptom of undue 
curvature of the spine, he must not be used under the saddle ; but, 
provided he can work, he may be used lightly in a buggy. If 
unfit for work, the owner knows what is best to do with him. I 
should give an animal afflicted with this disease a wine-glassful of 
cod-liver oil, two or three times per week, and one table-spoonful 
of flour of bone, every night, in the food. If this article can not 
be procured, substitute for it phosphate of lime. 

Osteo Porosis (known as Big Head and Big Jaw). 

The terms big head and big jaw*are used by husbandmen and 
others in Ohio, and, indeed, throughout the Great West and South, 
to designate a disease of the bony structure of the horse — a disease 
about which very little of a reliable character has ever been said 
or written; yet the subject is one of great importance to the peo- 
ple of this country, for the simple reason that the evil is one of 
alarming proportions; and should the disease multiply in a ratio 
equal to that of the past few years, it will be a terrible blow to the 
laudable and hitherto profitable enterprise of raising colts in sec- 
tions where this disease prevails. 

We do not wish to create any unnecessary alarm, but urge the 
husbandmen of the South and South-west to give this subject 
their earnest consideration ; for the disease probably has an hered- 
itary origin — is " inbred "#— and that, as the saying is, " constitutes 
the root of the evil." The disease having been pronounced incur- 
able, our only hopes of success in putting a stop to its propaga- 
tion and development is, to adopt preventive measures, by reject- 
ing, as breeders, all animals (sire and dam) that show the least 
predisposition to or for this affection. 

Let the reader understand that the disease itself is incurable in 
so far as the enlargement, dilatation, and softening of the jaw- 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 363 

bones are concerned ; yet, like spavin, ring-bone, and various other 
diseases, it is accompanied, in certain stages, by pain and lameness, 
and our services as physicians are only secured in view of remov- 
ing this pain and lameness, so that the animal may be enabled to 
perform the ordinary equine duties. This is what some persons 
please to term a cure, whereas it almost always happens that some 
alteration in the structure of the parts remains, which actually 
renders the horse unsound, because he has' that about him which 
may, from overwork or other exciting causes, impair his useful- 
ness. 




THE PATELLA, OR STIFLE BONE. 

This cut shows the appearance of disease on articulatory surfaces when the animal is the 
subject of Osteo Porosis, or Big Head. 

As regards the "alarming" features of big head or big jaw, we 
would inform the reader that almost every lame horse examined 
by us, during a period of six months, in Ohio, had either one or 
the other jaw enlarged. In some cases one angle of the lower jaw 
was the seat of thickening and enlargement, but among the majority 
both angles were affected. These remarks do not apply to other 
obvious or accidental lamenesses which are constantly occurring. 

A short time ago we visited, in company with a practicing vet- 
erinarian whose attention had never been called to this affection, 
three horses, the subjects of lameness, which was said to be occa- 
sioned by eating Hungarian grass. To the astonishment of the 
parties concerned, we demonstrated that they were all the subjects 
of enlargements of the lower jaws. From the history of the cases, 



364 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

and tlie character of the lameness, it was very evident that it was 
of an inter-articular character, and this is a peculiar feature of this 
affection. Then, again, the reader must bear in mind that the jaws 
of animals do not dilate nor enlarge suddenly, nor make their ap- 
pearance all at once, like a meteor in the regions of space. The 
affection is insidious, progresses in an almost imperceptible manner, 
and usually escapes the notice of those who daily have charge of and 
handle the animal, as the following case, which is selected from 
among others, will serve to illustrate : 

A few years ago a gentleman purchased what then appeared as 
a fine family horse — a sorrel gelding, aged five years. About the 
beginning of March, one year after the purchase, in attempting to 
walk the animal from one stable to another, but a short distance 
off, he became suddenly lame in one of the hind limbs, low down, 
toward the foot, and it was found almost impossible to urge him 
forward. Finally, assistance was procured, and the animal had, 
literally, to be carried into a stable. Our services having been 
secured, we visited the sufferer, and found him standing on three 
legs, the near hind one being placed resting on the toe. The parts 
around the coronet were hot, and the patient was very unwilling 
to have the parts handled. He seemed to suffer much pain, was 
breathing hurriedly, and the pulsations were quick and wiry. The 
near approach of any person seemed to terrify the animal, and he 
actually trembled, from fear and pain, when urged to move. On 
making an examination of the jaws, we found that both angles 
of the lower jaw were enlarged to about two inches in thickness. 
This explained the nature of the sudden and otherwise mysterious 
lameness. The articulating surfaces of various bones, and the 
bones themselves, had become diseased, as is often the case in 
big jaw. The owner assured us that the horse had never before 
been lame, and he was very much surprised to find the lower jaw 
enlarged. 

Here the reader will perceive that the animal had been in the 
owner's possession one year; had performed ordinary duty, yet 
was the subject of a gradual enlargement of the jaw and a consti- 
tutional disease, which probably existed, yet in a slight degree, at 
the time of purchase. Hence we contend that the disease, in its 
early stages, is of a hidden or insidious character, and requires some 
tact and knowledge of the subject in order to detect it. 

Nature of the disease. — Big head and big jaw are but one form 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 



365 



of disease, only located in different parts. "When the upper jaw 
becomes the seat of affection, an enlargement of the facial bones 
will be observed, and the examiner's attention will be attracted by 
the unnatural appearance of the face. As the disease progresses, 




ARTICULATING SURFACE OP THE THIGH BONE. 



Explanation— 1 1 1, Articulating surface of the lower or inferior part of the thigh bone occur- 
ring in the disease known as Osteo Porosis, or Big Head. 

the face looks more like that of an elephant than a horse ; and now, 
the disease being incurable, the subject should mercifully be put 
out of his misery. The enlargement of the lower jaw is discov- 
ered by manipulation. On removing the skin from the sides of 
the face of such a subject, and dissecting the muscles and perios- 
teum (covering of bone), the bones appear to have undergone a 
softening process, and particles can be separated by means of the 
finger-nails. At the same time, if a transverse section of any of 
the shaft-bones be made, they will be found to have undergone 
structural changes. For example, they will not only appear soft- 
ened, but honey-combed, and many of the laminae and cartilagi- 
nous braces will have been decomposed or dissolved, so that the 
bone looks like fibrous net-work. In most cases, the vacuities 



366 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

and canals are filled with material resembling soft cheese, which 
is probably fatty matter. This occasionally degenerates into pus. 

Dr. Gordon forwarded me, some time ago, the head of a horse 
who had long been the subject of this malady. The transverse 
diameter of the bones of both upper and lower jaw was very much 
enlarged ; the periosteum was very highly organized with blood- 
vessels; the bones were softened and elastic, and could be easily 
cut with a knife. On submitting them to the acid test, earthy 
matter was found in excess, and, by burning them, it was found 
that they contained very little animal matter ; hence we were led 
to infer that the disease was one of mal-nutrition. The articular 
surfaces of various bones, and sometimes all the bones of the body, 
are often ulcerated and studded with incrustations. This explains 
the why and wherefore of the sudden and tormenting pains which 
animals suffer, and goes to show how little of benefit can be ex- 
pected from the ordinary treatment, which is principally directed 
to the enlarged jaws. 

On removing these diseased cartilages from the articulating 
surfaces of the bones, the .latter are found to be affected — in fact, 
ulcerated. In some cases the ligaments and tendons are separated 
by decomposition, or necrosis of bone, and the animal " breaks 
down," as the saying is. 

The subjects of this disease sometimes show lameness in the 
vertebral region, and in that of the head of the thigh bone. In 
such cases, we may safely infer that the lameness is of an articular 
character, and the interticular cartilages, as well as the surfaces of 
the bones, are incrustated and ulcerated. In this condition, the 
animal is liable to become useless, or " break down " at any mo- 
ment. The following case will illustrate what is meant by break- 
ing down : 

We were requested, a short time ago, by Prof. Muzzy, to ex- 
amine an aged gray gelding, the subject of lameness in the hind 
feet. Examination revealed considerable heat, tenderness, and 
tumefaction around both the hind coronets, and both angles of the 
lower jaw were much enlarged in their transverse diameters. We 
advised the owner to let the animal have a run at grass. Accord- 
ingly he was sent into the country about thirty miles, which was 
too long a journey for him. A few days afterward, Prof. Muzzy 
received a letter that the horse's strings (tendons) became loose, 
and he broke down and traveled on his fetlocks, and was then 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 367 

dead. "We infer that necrosis took place, and the extensor ten- 
dons lost their attachment, which accounted for his breaking down. 

Prof. Varnell lately consulted Dr. Harley, of London, in 
reference to this formidable malady, which is said to have" been 
almost unknown in England until November, 1859, when several 
cases occurred among some horses the property of Mr. Champion 
Calcot, near Reading. Three of this gentleman's animals had 
died, a fourth was not expected to live many days, and two others 
were laboring under the same disease, in a less acute form. The 
most singular feature of the disease, as it appeared on the prem- 
ises of Mr. Calcot, was, that it did not appear to owe its origin 
to any perceivable cause, and it was not known to be prevalent in 
any other part of England. Still, our opinion is that it does 
exist in that country, only, not being suspected, is not sought for. 
It prevails very extensively among horses brought to Ohio, and 
hundreds of horses have been purchased for the American Gov- 
ernment having more or less enlargement of the lower jaw, yet 
we do not believe that either seller or purchaser suspected the 
same. This arises from a lack of knowledge on the subject, and 
the same remarks, as far as our ignorance of the subject is con- 
cerned, may apply to England. 

In answer to questions put to Mr. Calcot on the subject of man- 
agement, etc., he contends that the affected animals had plenty 
of exercise. There were no chemical factories or works in the 
vicinity. One horse affected was purchased at a distance; the 
rest had been bred on his farm. The sires and dams all appeared 
free from the disease, and they were not all got by the same sire. 
The food consisted of good grass, hay, pollard, oatmeal, and roots. 
Other horses were on the farm, fed in the same manner as the 
affected ones, yet they had no symptoms of the disease. (Perhaps 
they will show symptoms when the jaws shall be examined. They 
may have the disease, yet not be lame nor apparently ailing.) 
Mr. Calcot never saw a case of the kind before. 

From the above testimony, we may infer that the causes of this 
affection are not yet discovered in England ; but our impression 
is that overfeeding has a good deal to do in the production of 
the malady. It appears to me that this disease, as I have already 
stated, is one of malnutrition, or defective nourishment; hence 
may be considered as a scorbutic affection, like that affecting the 
human subject, which is known to be the result of faulty nutri- 



368 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

tion, and which often results in division of bony parts which 
were once immovable (the epiphysis of the pelvis, for example) ; 
also in the separation of cartilages from the ribs, and the shaft 
bones softened and ruined by caries (ulceration or death of bones). 
Big head and big jaw are terms sufficiently explicit in ordinary 
conversation ; but, in view of scientific inquiry, it is necessary to 
employ terms indicative of the pathology of the disease. We can 
not expect, however, to select any one name that shall apply to 
all the pathological conditions during the rise, progress, and ter- 
mination of this peculiar malady. The condition of the bones 
is a state of enlargement, (porousness and softening ;) hence the 
name osteo porosis. 

Causes. — We have already informed the reader that the disease 
may have an hereditary origin ; otherwise, we can not account for 
its universal prevalence. In certain localities, under the ordinary 
modes of feeding and general management, we grant that at first 
the disease might have had an accidental or spontaneous origin, 
and finally become permanent and transmissible. For example, 
glanders and farcy afford illustrations of a spontaneous disease 
becoming contagious and transmissible. There must have been a 
time when neither of the two latter diseases existed; hence, when 
the first subject became glandered, he could not have taken it by 
infection or by contagion, but it must have had a spontaneous 
origin, and, finally, became permanent. We do not pretend to 
urge that the active disease itself is transmissible ; yet, in certain 
cases, a predisposition is transferred to the progeny. This may 
be called the predisposing cause ; the ordinary exciting causes are 
those which disturb and derange the digestive function. The 
digestive or nutritive function is deranged, both by excessive and 
defective functional labors, or by the animal existing on food that 
does not contain the necessary amount of nitrogenous or muscle- 
making matter. This is the case when Indian corn is used as 
food for a great length of time. It is hard to digest, is deficient 
in nitrogen, and almost always over-distends the stomach; for, 
when submitted to the action of heat and the gastric fluids, it 
increases in bulk to about five or six times its original capacity. 
I have noticed that where much whole corn is fed, as in Ohio and 
Indiana, the disease is most prevalent. Associated with the pre- 
disposing causes are others — for example, hard usage, sore abuse, 
and bad stable management. 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 369 

This disease is rarely ever heard of in England, probably from 
the fact that the food of horses is rich in phosphates and nitrogen, 
while corn contains more of starchy matter, which, instead of fur- 
nishing material for the preparation of muscular or animal matter, 
merely furnishes that which is consumed in process of respiration. 

Treatment. — The ordinary treatment, as practiced by some per- 
sons, is to bore into the jaw-bone, and inject the same with some 
corrosive poison. Others expose the jaw-bone, and saw out a 
section of the same. Some persons blister, or apply preparations 
of iodine. Such treatment, I think, only tends to create unneces- 
sary irritation and pain, and can not possibly be of any benefit ; 
for I contend that the disease is not local, but constitutional, and 
the reader will probably, after perusing this dissertation, come to 
the same conclusion. The disease has extensive ramifications in 
various parts of the bony fabric, and, therefore, the local treatment 
must fail in curing the malady. Cases may arise which require 
surgical operations, and if so, I have no objections to oifer. I 
have often been told that horses, after having all sorts of barbar- 
ities practiced on them, have recovered. This, so far as the treat- 
ment is concerned, is in accordance with the spirit of the old 
error, " He got well after taking my medicine ; therefore, in con- 
sequence of taking it." This is assuming a falsehood for a fact, 
and then giving fanciful reasons for it. 

In view both of prevention and cure of this organic disease of 
the bones and their articulations, more is to be accomplished by 
regimen than by medicine. The animal should always be pro- 
vided with wholesome diet, and whenever green vegetables can be 
obtained, they should be fed liberally, or, what is much better, 
provided the season permits, allow the animal to roam in a pasture. 
Whenever I have a case of this kind under treatment, I furnish 
apples, beets, carrots, cabbage, or any other kind of vegetable that 
I can procure. I find that such articles are usually devoured with 
good relish. The object in feeding green food is to combat the 
scorbutic diathesis which usually exists. The patient should also 
be allowed from five to seven quarts of oats per day. 

When a horse with an enlargement of the lower or upper jaw 
is suddenly attacked with acute lameness, he should be placed in 
a wide stall, and the parts where the lameness appears to be lo- 
cated, as well as the jaws, should be diligently rubbed, twice daily, 
with a portion of the following : 
24 



370 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

No. 58. Spirits of camphor 6 oz. 

Cod-liver oil 4 oz. 

Oil of cedar 2 oz. 

Diluted acetic acid 1 pint. 

Mix. 

Then procure the following : 

No. 59. Chlorate of potass 2 oz. 

Powdered ginger 4 oz. 

Gentian 3 oz. 

Podophyllum 2 oz. 

Poplar hark 6 oz. 

Mix. 

Dose, one ounce night and morning, to be incorporated in the 
food. 

This treatment usually palliates the lameness. Should it not 
do so, the owner must be patient, and give Nature time to restore 
the animal to comparative usefulness. Flour of bone or phosphate 
of lime may be given, at the rate of a couple of ounces per day. 
Such agents are always indicated in the treatment of the above 
malady. 

Spavin. 

Spavin consists of an exostosis of the hock, commonly located 
on the inner side, whereby bones before moveable become cemented 
and fixed together, and which is often productive of ulceration of 
the articular surfaces of one or more of the joints of the hock. 
Sometimes, however, spavin makes its appearance on the anterior 
or front part of the hock, and sometimes there is no enlargement 
to be discovered. Such cases, unaccompanied by enlargement, are 
called inter-articular spavin. 

Symptoms. — "The symptoms of spavin," says Mr. Percivall, 
" are, in general, plain, simple, and unequivocal. The horse mani- 
fests lameness in one of his hind limbs, and, on examination, a 
circumscribed spheroid tumor, of the magnitude of half a walnut 
or more, is evident enough both to the sight and feel of the man 
practiced in such matters. Lameness, however, the effect of spavin, 
may be present without any detectable tumor. 

My own observation has led me to note two kinds of lameness 
in spavin — one, the effect either of the ordinary subacute or chronic 
inflammation, or of partial anchylosis of the parts, is but compar- 
atively slight, and consists, for the most part, in stiffness on motion, 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 



371 



or in defective flexible power of the hock -joint ; the other, the effect 
of acute inflammation of the spavined parts, or else of ulceration 
of the joints, consists in a sort of spasmodic catching up of the 
spavined limb the moment the heel of the foot comes down upon 
the ground, something after the manner of string-halt. Stiffness 
may not unfrequently be observed even in the horse's side move- 




SPAVINED IN OFF HIND LEG— RINGBONE IN ALL THE PASTERNS. 

ment in his stall. "With such characteristic lameness as this, and 
with spavin present as well, evidently hot and tender to pressure, 
there can exist no doubt about the case. Where, however, the 
lameness is but slight, although a spavin is present, yet, from the 
absence of any heat or tenderness in the swelling, as well as from 
its duration, many doubts arise as to the cause of the lameness. 
In such a case as this, we should take advantage of the well- 
known fact of the fluctuating or evanescent character of spavin 
lameness, to which end it is advisable to have the horse under 
examination hard ridden or driven, or otherwise exercised, until 
he be in a profuse sweat, and afterward kept standing tied up in 
a stall, until he be cold and stiff in his joints, and then trotted 
out again. A knowing vender of a spavined "horse would take 
care to ' warm ' him by a good ride or drive before he took him 
to show to the presumed purchaser; and then, while under ex- 



372 DADDS VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

animation, by dint of whip and spur, and management in the 
bridle-hand, he might pass his merchandise off to an unwary 
buyer as sound. Indeed, so much is sweating work, or exercise 
approaching thereto, apt to prove a foil to showing lameness, 
that one is almost inclined to say no horse ought to be examined 
under such circumstances ; certainly no horse suspected of spavin. 
The time, of all others, that a spavined horse will be apt to man- 
ifest his lameness will be the day following after a hard day's 
work ; and when he makes his first egress from the stable in the 
morning is the critical period for examination. Horses that go 
limpingly lame from spavin, lame at all times, and lamer still 
when they work, often experience pain in the seat of disease to a 
degree which, in the language of Solleysell, causes them ' to pine 
away, especially about the flanks.' They have probably been 
blistered and fired, perhaps setoned ; have had their hocks fright- 
fully scarred, and yet are lame to that degree that they are unable 
to do more than gingerly put the toe of the foot of the spavined 
limb to the ground, and so painfully hobble along ; and, although 
they may still maintain their appetite, yet they are low in condi- 
tion, tucked up in their flanks — evidently, in short, ( pining away/ 

Such pitiable subjects, it is true, may be kept at work. The 
little, however, they can do, when put to any thing requiring 
strength of action or pull, together with the wretched condition 
they are generally in, is a fact so well known to coach and omni- 
bus proprietors, and horse-keepers in general, that at the horse 
auctions such animals fetch little or nothing. Even for agricul- 
tural work such laborers as these prove of but little worth. Now 
and then, however, it happens that the spavined horse, although 
treatment has failed to render him sound, continues, in respect to 
his disease, in that state in which he appears to suffer no local 
pain at all while at rest, and but little while at work, and so is 
able to do a considerable amount of some kinds of labor, lasting 
in it perhaps for years. Still, such a horse is more likely than 
another to receive injuries, to experience aggravation or relapse 
of disease in his already diseased hock; and, under such return 
or augmentation of ailment, unless great care be taken, and fre- 
quently with all the care we can take, may and will fail altogether. 

Spavins exist which occasion no lameness. How this comes to 
pass will appear when the time arrives to consider the reasons why 
spavins in general cause lameness, and, on occasions, very great 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 373 

pain as well, which can not be done before we come to treat of the 
pathology of spavin. It is sufficient for our purpose here that we 
note and establish the fact that lameness is not a necessary conse- 
quence of spavin. Nothing is more common than to meet with 
horses, colts even, who have what the dealers call ' knots' in their 
spavin places ; and the time was when such ' knots ' (which have 
always been regarded as spavins) were certificated as constituting 
unsoundness. 

Lameness arising from spavin is sometimes present without the 
outward appearance of spavin. This is a form of disease better 
known to veterinary surgeons in general, I believe, under the de- 
nomination of occult hock lameness. My own attention to the 
subject was first drawn so long ago as in the year 1815, though 
then I was quite in the dark as to the nature of the case. On 
my return from Belgium, after the battle of Waterloo, I had in 
my possession a bay blood mare, who was lame in one of her hind 
legs (I forget which), but whose lameness was of that nature that 
no external sign whatever was apparent to account for it. The 
limb had been searched over and over again, by myself and some 
other veterinary surgeons, and the mare had been trotted and 
walked, circled and paced, and put to all other known trials and 
tests, without the examinations ending in any thing like concur- 
rent opinions respecting either the seat or the nature of her lame- 
ness. The mare returned home, marching with the troops, led 
by a man on horseback — for, notwithstanding her lameness, she 
walked very well — and, as soon as she arrived at head-quarters 
(Woolwich), I showed her to my father, at the time senior veteri- 
nary surgeon of the Ordnance Department. He examined her, 
and without hesitation pronounced her 'lame in the hock/ and 
she was treated accordingly ; and the result was, at no great dis- 
tance of time, her complete restoration to soundness. 

It is true, so far as the case above related goes, that the only 
proof that the mare's lameness was in the hock, was her restor- 
ation to soundness after the application of remedies to that joint. 
There is, however, tr be said, in addition, to induce us to believe 
that it was so, that, of all the joints of the hind limb, no one is so 
frequently or so likely to be deranged as the hock; and, conse- 
quently, from this fact alone, is a prima facie case made out. 
Moreover, we have, to assist us in our diagnosis, the stiff or im- 
perfect flexion of the hock-joint in action, and the wearing away 



374 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

of the toe of the shoe, showing that the heel is rarely or but very 
gingerly put to the ground; also the circumstance, often observ- 
able by the groom, of the animal resting the lame (hind) limb in 
the stable ; on occasions, perhaps, knackling over upon it, and so 
bearing the weight upon the toe alone. And it has happened 
before now that, while doubt was impending as to the locality 
and nature of the lameness, a spavin has made its appearance, and 
dissipated all further conjecture; and with this development of 
the spavin, the lameness, so far from being augmented, is not 
unlikely to become better. This is an observation made so long 
ago as the time of Solleysell. This admirable observer, in one 
part of his chapter on spavins, says : 'At their first piercing, they, 
generally speaking, make a horse halt, and afterward the swelling 
growing bigger, the horse halteth no more with it.' " 

I have noticed that spavined horses are usually the subjects of 
ill-shaped hocks; hence this peculiarity of conformation would 
seem to indicate that such animals have a certain amount of pre- 
disposition lurking in their systems. The ordinary exciting causes 
are sprain or strain, and overwork. 

Now, what will cure spavin? This question was propounded 
to the author, some time ago, and the following answer was 
elicited. The answer is as good to-day as when first written. 
" What will cure spavin ?" I answer : Time, rest, and the appli- 
cation of remedies adapted to the various stages of the disease. 
The usual remedies, in the early stage, are rest, frequent use of the 
shower-bath, and refrigerating lotions. In the chronic stage, and 
when the disease has commenced on the articulating surfaces of 
the hock-joint, or an ossific bony enlargement has made its ap- 
pearance, then we resort to counter-irritation, by using some one 
of the preparations of cantharides or iodine. " What will cure 
spavin ?" is a tough question for a medical man to solve ; for, if 
he has been properly educated, he knows well enough that bone 
spavin, like hip-joint disease in the human subject, is, to all in- 
tents and purposes, incurable — I mean in so far as the physiology 
and pathology of the parts are concerned. Soft tissues, once 
having been changed into bone, never can be remetamorphosed 
into the original condition so as to possess their inherent qualities 
of elasticity (contraction and expansion). At the same time we 
are all horsemen enough to understand what the term "cure" 
means when applied to the disease known as spavin. It signifies 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 375 

freedom from sensibility and lameness, and a partial disappear- 
ance of the enlargement, or " eye-sore." As the reader may like 
to refer to the opinion of some well-known author, as well as 
what I here advance, I select a quotation on the treatment of bone 
spavin from the pen of Mr. Blaine : 

" This disease does not differ from splint, except that it is much 
oftener a cause of serious lameness. Occurring, however, as it 
commonly does, in older horses, it also proves more obstinate, and 
the treatment required, therefore, should be more active. Among 
the old farriers, who, like some of the moderns, thought nothing 
too strong for a horse, violent mechanical operations were resorted 
to, as the mallet and chisel to chip it off, boring the exostosis with 
a gimlet, punching it with a hot iron, or applying caustics. The 
first removing it mechanically, and the three latter methods de- 
stroying its vitality, promoted its exfoliation. As might be ex- 
pected, for one case which succeeded (and in some it certainly did 
succeed) in many it increased the lameness, or ended in anchy- 
losis and sometimes death. It is not improbable that instruments 
may yet be devised which will operate on these bony enlargements 
without risk, though the chances are fewer in the hock, from its 
connection with capsular and bursal ligaments, than in any other 
parts. 

Treatment. — The treatment pursued by veterinarians of the 
present day varies somewhat. Those bordering on the old school 
still rub with some violence, and then stimulate them with oil 
origanum, oil terebinth, etc. Those of a later day blister and fire. 
At the Veterinary College setons are used, by ripping up the in- 
tegument and pushing a needle around, with tape through it, so 
that the seton within the skin exactly opposes itself to the spavin. 
If the skin is tender or tumefied, it is more proper to make an 
opening above and below the exostosis, and to push a blunt seton- 
needle or eyed probe from one opening to the other, armed with 
a tape smeared with mild blistering ointment, or common turpen- 
tine. In this way, report says, the College practice has proved 
very successful. Blistering we have, however, found, when re- 
peated over and over, commonly prove equal to all the benefit 
these obstinate cases can receive; for, when the bone deposit is 
fully formed, it is in vain to expect its entire absorption. Even 
its partial absorption is frustrated. The removal of acute lame- 
ness is generally the only benefit which can be anticipated. Our 



376 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

principal hope lies in preventing the increase of the bony deposit, 
and likewise in removing that inflammation which is the existing 
cause of much of the pain, stiffness, and tumefaction in the sur- 
rounding ligaments. Our hopes of success must also greatly de- 
pend on the time the evil has existed. When it is early attended 
to — that is, before the bony deposit has gained its full solidity — 
stimulants act more favorably, and lessen it more materially. It 
remains to add that, when repeated blistering fails, the .firing-iron 
generally concludes the business, but commonly answers no further 
purpose than being a publication of the animal's infirmity, and a 
warning to practitioners as regards the previous treatment." 

The remedies and means used by the author of this work for 
the treatment of spavin are the same as recommended for ring- 
bone. (See article on King-bone.) 

♦ Fracture of the Pelvis. 

My attention having lately been called to two cases of fractured 
pelvis, I am led to make the following remarks for the benefit of 
those who feel an interest in matters pertaining to veterinary sci- 
ence. The accident of fracture of the pelvis is of very common 
occurrence, and I think that many such cases might be prevented 
by the exercise of a little judgment on the part of horse-owners. 
For example, the great majority of cases with which I am ac- 
quainted have occurred in the stable, after the animals have been 
put up for the night " all well," as the owners have informed me, 
and to them the matter seemetl very mysterious and unaccounta- 
ble. But I think that the mystery can easily be explained. 

If a horse is put up for the night all well and free from lame- 
ness, and in the morning is lame, and it is observed that the hip 
is knuckled down, as the saying is, (fracture of the pelvis,) or, in 
other words, he is " hip-shot," the evidence then seems conclusive 
that the accident occurred within the stable. Then the question 
arises, How did it occur ? We all ought to know that the stalls 
in our city stables are too narrow ; many of them do not exceed 
four feet in breadth. Now, let a large horse throw himself vio- 
lently down, as, they often do when tired or in pain, and he is 
very apt to strike the point of the hip against one side of the sta- 
ble. The point of the hip being but imperfectly protected from 
external or lateral injury, except by the common integument, the 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 377 

jar or concussion thus received often occasions fracture. I know 
that this is the case ; for, on making examination of some of these 
fractures, I found the skin over the region of the point of the hip 
bruised and abraded. Then, again, horses frequently get cast at 
night, and are the subjects of colic, or other aches or pains. They 
struggle violently, get imprisoned, as it were, in their narrow 
apartments, and, when released by assistance, fracture of the pelvis 
is often discovered. 

This is not all. Sometimes sufficient bedding is not furnished 
to protect the animal from the effects of hurriedly reclining, or 
slipping down, on a hard plank floor, and the result is often the 
same as that just alluded to. Then, in view of prevention, these 
facts suggest the propriety of having wider stalls, and a liberal 
supply of shavings or sawdust for bedding ; that is, when straw 
can not be obtained ; yet I think that when sawdust can be ob- 
tained, it is the most wholesome and economical bedding for 
horses. Taking a pathological view of the matter, I have to in- 
form the reader that a great proportion of these fractures occur 
among horses well advanced in years ; and it may be that their 
bones, in some cases, are brittle and very easily fractured, as is 
the case with some aged members of the human family, whose 
thigh bones have been easily fractured by a slight fall, or jumping 
out of bed in a hurry, many such cases being on record. 

The horse is occasionally subject to a disease of the bones known 
as fatty degeneration, which is said to be partly occasioned by an 
exclusive Indian corn diet. In such cases the vacuities in some 
of the bones are filled with oily matter, are light, and easily frac- 
tured. He is also subject to a disease known as rickets, which 
may depend either on hereditary predisposition or imperfect nu- 
trition. The bones are defective in early constituents, and, con- 
sequently, give way under the weight which they ought otherwise 
to sustain. The remedy is, a nutritive diet, partly composed of 
oats, and occasional doses of phosphate of lime. 

Horses very frequently fracture the pelvis by falling in harness, 
but for this I know of no remedy except careful driving; yet 
sometimes, in spite of due care, they must fall when traveling on 
slippery pavements, and when improperly shod. 

Treatment. — As regards the treatment of fracture of the pelvis 
I have but little to offer. It is all contained in the words rest 
and counter-irritation (seton or blister), yet requires time for 



378 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Nature to unite the bones after her well-known fashion. If the 
horse is a valuable one, and the fracture slight, he should be 
placed in slings. The hair may then be shaved off the region of 
fracture to the extent of one foot in diameter; then smear on, 
while warm, a strengthening plaster, composed of pitch, resin, 
and beeswax. But should the fracture be of a very grave char- 
acter — the bones broken in several places, the animal down and 
in great agony — then the sooner he is put out of his misery the 
better. 

Splent, or Splint. 

Splent, or splint, makes its appearance on the inner and lower 
part of the knee-joint. It consists of a bony tumor (exostosis), 
and, finally, the small bone known as the metacarpus purvus 
becomes united to the cannon or shank bone. This constitutes 
anchylosis, so that the disease is of the same nature as ring-bone. 
Splent sometimes appears on the outside of the leg ; but the dis- 
ease is oftener found on the inside, from the fact that it is nearer 
the center of the weight of the body than the outer, and receives 
the greatest amount of concussion. The inner bone is said to 
receive nearly the whole weight transmitted to the small bone of 
the knee. A splent on the inside is often the result of a blow 
inflicted with the opposite foot, which bruises the soft parts and 
periosteum, and, finally, the bones become affected. Faulty shoe- 
ing has also a direct agency in the production of splent. For 
example: if one caulk of the shoe be higher than the other, or 
should the foot be pared more on one side than the other, the 
effect will be to throw the limb into a false position, which may 
result in ligamentary lameness and splent. Splent, however, ap- 
pears sometimes without any assignable cause. On dissecting the 
limbs of aged horses, we frequently find the splent bones firmly 
united to the shank. The following is the opinion of Prof. Cole- 
man in regard to splent: 

" ' A splent once is a splent always.' The two bones being once 
united by ossific matter, this connection, whatever we may do or 
apply, will never be altered. It used to be the custom to remove 
the splent with a hammer and chisel, but the production of a 
large blemish, from the destruction of skin, was the consequence 
of this barbarous method. Another practice, as ancient and bar- 
barous as the former, was the application of corrosive sublimate, 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 



379 



A PERFECT FORE-LEG. 




Situation of 
the Splint. 

Windfall & method 
round the leg. 

Ring-bone 
firing it. 



Situation of the 
& method of firing. 



Situation of Blood Spavin, 

Situation of the Bone Spavin 
firing the same. 




Thorough-pin 



& method of 



BOTTOM OF THE HOOF. 




380 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

or other strong caustic, so as to occasion a slough. In this case, 
too, the remedy was as bad as the disease ; the horse was disfigured 
for life. Better and more recent treatment than this was either 
firing or blistering. The objection to the former, however, was 
the marks it produced; and to the latter, in common with the 
former, that though the lameness was removed, it very frequently 
returned with the resumption of labor. 

The more modern, successful, and scientific treatment of splents 
consists in the operation of periosteotomy, or division of the peri- 
osteum, which covers the bone. 

Professor Sewell has introduced, within the few past years, an 
excellent mode of performing the operation. The horse is cast, 
the leg properly straightened and secured, and then a small open- 
ing is made just below the splent sufficient to introduce a long, 
narrow, convex, probe-pointed knife, the edge of which is on the 
convex side. The knife is then passed up under the skin, and by 
drawing it backward and forward on the splent, pressing firmly 
at the same time, the periosteum is completely divided. A small 
opening is then made through the skin above the splent, and a 
narrow seton passed from one orifice to the other, after which a 
bandage is placed on the leg, and the horse released. The seton 
should be moved and dressed daily with digestive ointment, and 
at the expiration of a week removed, and the wound permitted to 
heal. I have found the operation succeed whenever I have adopted 
it. In the very numerous cases that occur of splents being unat- 
tended with lameness, it is ' better to let well alone ;' but when 
the lameness is slight, and the horse can not be spared from work 
more than a few days, it is well to apply a mild blistering appli- 
cation, such as the tincture of cantharides, about a tea-spoonful of 
which will be sufficient for one application, which may be repeated 
according to the action it produces and the benefit it occasions." 

Treatment. — Our practice in this country is to treat splent on 
' the same general principles that obtain in spavin and ring-bone — 
namely, in the" acute stage, when the accident of striking has 
happened, we apply sedatives and refrigerents, and in the chronic 
stage, counter-irritants and absorbents. For the treatment of the 
acute stage, a selection from the following articles may be made : 
Arnica, infusion of hops or poppies, cold water, or equal parts of 
vinegar and water. In the chronic stage, and in view of lessen- 
ing the tumefaction, I recommend the following : 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 381 

No. 60. Powdered iodide of potass. 2 dr. 

Simple Cerate 1 oz. 

Cod-liver oil \ oz. 

Rub these ingredients together in a mortar, and when thor- 
oughly mixed it is fit for use. A daily application of this oint- 
ment for a short time will suffice. There are many cases of splent 
that do not occasion the least lameness • therefore they had better 
be let alone. 

Bowed Legs or Sprung Knees. 

The following case will illustrate the method of cure for sprung 
knees. The subject of this operation had met with an accident, 
which resulted in "bowed limb," and had so progressed within 
the period of a few months as to render the limb the most de- 
formed one I ever saw ; for when the toe touched the ground, the 
heel was elevated about four inches. At the same time, the infe- 
rior extremity of the cannon overlapped the large pastern some- 
thing like three-quarters of an inch. Such a deviation from the 
perpendicular line would, as a matter of course, bring a tremendous 
strain on the extensor tendons in front and the suspensory liga- 
ment, and this appeared to be the case ; for the tendons and liga- 
ment were rigid as a bowstring. 

The horse was cast on the off side, and, after securing the limbs, 
the near fore one was released from the hobble and held by assist- 
ants. A puncture in the outer lateral region of the flexor tendons 
was made through the integument. A convex, probe-pointed 
bistoury was then introduced, and, by a gentle sawing movement, 
the flexors perforatus and perforans were divided. On straight- 
ening the limb, which was done without the least difficulty, the 
edges of the tendons had separated almost two inches. These 
would, of course, after awhile, become reunited by granulation and 
interstitial deposits. Thus tendons would, finally, gain in length 
something less than two inches, which would render the leg al- 
most straight again. The puncture through the skin being small, 
a single suture sufficed to close the orifice. This being accom- 
plished, a cold-water bandage was neatly applied, and then the 
patient was permitted to rise. He walked to the stable tolerably 
well, yet still had a slight " knuckling over " at the fetlock. This 
was probably owing to the distended or lax state of the capsular 
ligament and extensor tendon. A shoe was now applied to the 



382 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

foot, having a straight piece of iron, eight inches in length, welded 
on to the ground surface of the toe of the shoe. The object in 
applying this contrivance was to prevent flexion, to keep the di- 
vided ends of the tendon apart, and to guard against direct union 
of the same. The operation finally proved successful. 

The following case occurred in the practice of Professor Brachet, 
as given in the " Veterinary Record : " 

" This most extraordinary case was observed in September, 1856, 
three months after the inundation of the Rhone, on a farm near 
this river. The subject of the disease was a filly, three months 
old. She was born perfectly straight on her legs, but about fifteen 
days after birth the fore-limbs became bent, and the deformity 
increased so rapidly that when Brachet saw the animal it moved 
on its knees. It was with great difficulty that, by efforts to extend 
the limb, the acute angle formed at the knee could at all be 
widened, and such an experiment gave great pain to the animal. 
The dam being taken out of the stable, Brachet was astonished 
to see the filly walking after her on her knees, almost as fast as if 
progressing naturally. On the front of the knee the skin was hard 
and callous, the tendons behind it were rigid and immovable, and 
Brachet decided on performing tenotomy. The animal was cast 
and the near fore-leg operated upon. An incision was made, about 
an inch in length, at the back of the arm, in a line with the upper 
part of the carpus ; the tendon of the flexor metacarpi externus 
was first cut, then one of the medius, and, lastly, that of the inter- 
nal flexor of the metacarpus, when the limb straightened. A 
splint was placed in front of the leg. Eight days afterward the 
off" limb was operated upon ; fifteen days later the splints were 
removed, and, in the course of a month, the filly stood well, but in 
moving carried her fore-legs forward in a piece. Flexion at the 
knee could not be effected, but the young animal improved rapidly ; 
the limbs became strong, and though slightly bowed, their action 
was perfect. Brachet believes the deformity arose from rheuma- 
tism, induced by the damp on the occasion of the overflowing of 
the river near the farm." 

The following is Mr. Percivall's method of performing te- 
notomy for sprung knees : 

" The operation of tenotomy, though a formidable one for the 
patient, is not a difficult one for the operator. The object is sec- 
tion of the flexor tendons, the effect of which, as we have seen, is to 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 383 

let down the heel of the foot, not the fetlock, to the ground. The 
flexor tendons support the pastern and foot-joints principally, the 
fetlock -joint having the additional strong support of the suspen- 
sory ligament, which it still retains after the tendons have been 
cut through. This accounts for the heel of the foot, without the 
fetlock, being let down by the operation of tenotomy. 

Having cast the horse, and so secured the limb to be operated 
On that there is not much chance of any interruption being occa- 
sioned through its motion, I recommend that a longitudinal in- 
cision, three or four inches in length, be made through the skin, 
along the back of the leg, down upon the middle portion of the 
flexor perforatus tendon. This incision freely and boldly made at 
once, the operator will be able to stretch the mouth of the wound 
he has made round to the inner side of the leg, in which stretched 
position the skin is to be held by an assistant, while the operator 
introduces the fore-finger of his left hand, to push back the blood- 
vessels and nerve (which run along the inner borders of the ten- 
dons) against the suspensory ligament, so that they be safe out of 
the way, while with the right hand he insinuates his bistoury 
between them and the flexor tendons. Opposing now the cutting 
edge of the bistoury to the tendons themselves, he commences 
incising them by a steady but firm and strong sawing movement, 
until both be completely divided. I say he is to hold the bistoury 
(which ought to be a stout one) firmly, and to use it with some 
force, since such is the dense and tough texture of these tendons 
that they are not cut completely through without some determi- 
nation. Complete division being made of them, the heel of the 
foot may not (in all probability will not) come down without 
some extension of the leg ; and this must be made, not by such 
violence as Mr. Goodenough found himself compelled to use, still 
with such force as will, if possible, make the limb straight, by 
stretching or even tearing through adhesions of moderate stand- 
ing, so far as this can be effected without the risk of rupturing 
ligament or fracturing bone. The giving way of adhesions, in 
such cases, is frequently attended with a sort of snap or jerk, de- 
notive of their being overcome, and by this the end is known to 
be answered, such adhesions and impediments to extension being 
commonly situate about or in the vicinity of the fetlock-joint. 
The usual and most effective mode of accomplishing the extension 
is, to place the knee against the front of the fetlock, and, grasping 



384 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

the back of the foot with one hand, and the upper end of the leg 
with the other, to use such steady and moderate force as will ac- 
complish the object without doing harm thereby. This done, the 
divided ends of the tendons recede from each other, leaving a gap 
between them of one or two inches, or even more, dependent upon 
circumstances." 

Corns. 

What is known as corns, occurring in horses, is very different 
from that affection in the human subject, which bears the same 
name. In the horse the affection is caused by bruise of the sole, 
and consists of extravasation of blood. On making an examina- 
tion in the angle between the bars and quarters, the horn of the 
sole will appear red. This may not be seen, however, until the 
blacksmith has pared away a flake or two of the sole. 

Treatment. — Neglected corns are very apt to end in suppuration 
(formation of matter within the hoof). This matter sometimes 
burrows in an upward direction, and breaks out at the top of the 
hoof. It then forms what is known as a quittor, the remedy for 
which is to make a small opening into the sole, and thus allow 
the matter to escape in a downward direction. After making the 
orifice in the sole, it should be dressed with a paste composed of 
equal parts of sugar and brown soap. As a dressing for common 
corn, without suppuration, I recommend equal parts of tar and 
olive oil. This I conceive to be one of the best dressings ever 
used for corns. 

Many corns are produced by suffering the shoe to remain on too 
long. It thus becomes imbedded in the heel of the foot ; the ex- 
ternal crust then grows down on the outside of the shoe, and the 
bearing is thrown in the angular portion of the sole. In unusually 
troublesome cases of corns, recourse should be had to the bar-shoe. 

Youatt says : " Mr. Spooner, of Southampton, very properly 
states that the corns occasionally fester, and the purulent matter 
which is secreted, having no dependent orifice, ascends, torturing 
the animal to a dreadful extent, and breaks out at the coronet. 
These cases are. very troublesome. Sinuses are formed, and the 
evil may end in quittor. A large and free dependent orifice must 
then be made, and a poultice applied, to which should succeed a 
solution of sulphate of zinc, with the application of the compound 
tar ointment. 



LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 385 

The cause of corn is a most important subject of inquiry, and 
which a careful examination of the foot and the shoe will easily 
discover. The cause being ascertained, the effect may, to a great 
extent, be afterward removed. Turning out to grass, after the 
horn is a little grown, first with the bar-shoe and afterward with 
the shoe fettered on one side, or with tips, will often be service- 
able. A horse that has once had corns to any considerable extent 
should, at every shoeing, have the seat of corn well pared out, and 
the butter of antimony applied. The seated shoe should be used, 
with a web sufficiently thick to cover the place of corn, and extend- 
ing as far back as it can be made to do without injury to the frog. 

Low, weak heels should be rarely touched with the knife, or 
any thing more be done to them than lightly to rasp them, in 
order to give them a level surface. The inner heel should be 
particularly spared. Corns are seldom found in the hind feet, 
because the heels are stronger, and the feet are not exposed to so 
much concussion ; and when they are found there, they are rarely 
or never productive of lameness. There is nothing perhaps in 
which the improvement in the veterinary art has relieved the 
horse from so much suffering as shoeing. Where corns now exist 
of any consequence, they are a disgrace to the smith, the groom, 
and even to the owner." 



Lameness. 

We have already considered the nature and treatment of vari- 
ous forms of lameness, occurring in consequence of strain or sprain 
of different parts of the body ; also that attending rheumatism and 
diseases of the feet. It only remains to offer a few remarks on 
some special forms of lameness. Lameness occurs in one of two 
forms. We either find it in the acute stage, when, from injury 
or other causes, it comes on suddenly ; or else in the chronic stage, 
that form whieh has existed for some time. Therefore, there being 
only two forms of lameness, there are only two indications to fulfill, 
namely : in the acute stage, we endeavor to lessen the activity in 
the circulation, heat, and pain of the parts by rest and cold-water 
bathing ; and when pain exists, we mitigate it by bathing the af- 
fected parts with cold infusion of hops or poppy-heads. When 
the affection assumes a chronic type, we apply stimulants and 
counter-irritants. The following is the best remedy in use : 
25 



386 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



No. 61. Aqua ammonia 3i? oz. 

Spirits of camphor 3 oz. 

Salt (bay or rock salt) 8 oz. 

Water 2 pints. 

Dissolve the salt in the water, with a few drops of aqua am- 
monia ; allow the impurities to settle, and add the clear liquor to 
the camphor and ammonia, the latter having been previously 
mixed. A portion of this should be rubbed on the region of 
lameness morning and evening. Sometimes the actual seat of 
lameness may be somewhat obscure, yet we can generally find out 
which limb it is in ; then, to make sure that we shall hit the mark, 
the whole limb may be treated. Should counter-irritation be nec- 
essary, strong liniments and blisters, such as are in general use, 
are recommended. 




re 



This plate represents the fore extremity, cut off a little above the 
condyles of the humerus, with the flexor metacarpi internus, 
medius and the ulnaris accessorius muscles removed. 

A, The origin of the ulnaris accessorius muscle. 

B, The flexor, metacarpi internus. 

C, The flexor metacarpi medius. 

F, The radial nerve. 

G, The radial artery. 
Hi The radial vein. 

I, The superior suspensory ligament, or band. 

J, The tendon of the flexor metacarpi internus muscle. 

K, The cut edge of the posterior annular ligament turned back. 

L, The inferior suspensory band. 

M, Oblique branch of nerve crossing the perforatus tendon. 

N, The perforatus tendon. 

O, The perforans tendon. 

P, The inner metacarpal nerve. 

Q, Metacarpal artery. 

R, Suspensory ligament. 

S, The metacarpal vein. 

T, One of the lumbrici muscles. 

U, Cut edge of the thin, dense membrane which invests the perforatua 
from a little above the front of the fetlock downward. 

V, The perforatus tendon. 

W, A portion of the tendon lined internally with synovial membrane, 
removed, to expose the perforans as it passes through the bi- 
furcation of the perforatus. 



SECTION XIII. 

HORSE MANAGEMENT, ETC. 

Prolapsus Ani — Hemorrhoids, or Piles — Pricking and Nicking Horses Tails 
— Docking Horses — Anemia — The Use and Abuse of the Curry-comb — 
Horses and Cattle should have a supply of Pure Water — Galled Back 
— The Heart — The quantity of Blood contained in a Horse's Body — 
Rapidity of the Circulation — The transfusion of Blood — Management 
of the Horses put in the Stable — Strangles. 

Prolapsus Ani (Falling of the Fundament or Rectum). 

PROLAPSUS ANI, or protrusion of the rectum, is a calamity 
much to be dreaded. Fortunately it very rarely occurs, yet 
when it does, a valuable horse is almost sure to be the subject; 
hence it is a matter of importance that persons who own valu- 
able horses should know something about the nature and treat- 
ment of this mishap. The best authority on this subject is Mr. 
Percivall, from whose works the following is quoted : 

"It consists in inversion and prolapse of the mucous coat of 
the rectum, either confined to the mucous membrane itself, or 
otherwise involving more or less of the entire substance of the 
intestine along with it. The aspect of the protrusion will mainly 
depend on the nature and volume of the parts ejected, and upon 
the time such evolution has been in existence. When recent, so 
readily does tumefaction (swelling) of the parts follow their pro- 
trusion, that this speedily opposes all attempts at return, should 
the animal make any, though, in truth, his efforts in general have 
the effect of straining more gut out, and through his straining, in 
some cases, tearing the membrane, and thus augmenting instead 
of diminishing the evolution as well. In this manner arises a 
large (sometimes enormous) rotund, red, wrinkled redness of skin, 
consisting of cylinders of mucous membrane, having an aperture 

(387) 



388 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

closed through constriction in its centre, though, when open, issu- 
ing a mucous and sanious matter, especially at such time as the 
animal is straining afresh. The circumflex action of the sphincter 
ani around the neck of the swelling, together with its distension 
with gas, and the action of the air upon its surface, all add to its 
increase of volume and change of color; while the straining, at the 
same time, increases the difficulty of any effort the practitioner 
may make toward effecting a return of the protruded gut. With 
its augmentation of volume comes a deepening redness, turning, 
through the constriction of the sphincter, to a darker, and even 
purple hue, the membrane becoming, at the same time, inflated 
and swollen, and gradually changing its color from red to yellow 
and to brown, though still having a humid shining aspect, now 
becoming glairy from albuminous secretion, which is not only 
mucous, but at times purulent. 

Causes. — These may be summed up in irritation, either direct 
or sympathetic, of the mucous membrane lining the anus and 
rectum. It is possible that prolonged constipation, from giving 
rise to violent straining efforts at expulsion of dry and hardened 
feces, might bring it on, or even the strains of parturition. The 
action produced by excessive purgation may cause it, but more 
especially irritation of a mechanical kind, arising from direct in- 
jury to the membrane or rectum during the operation of raking 
or manual exploration of the gut, or of clystering. It may prove 
an accompaniment of an enteritic, colicky, or diarrheal condition 
of bowel. It is possible it may ensue on nicking, though I never 
knew it to follow that operation. Violent struggles of any kind, 
as in such a case as is mentioned in the ' Veterinarian/ by Mr. J. 
Brown, V. S., London, wherein the horse ' had forced out nearly 
a foot of the rectum in struggling violently to release himself/ 
while being cast. 

Treatment. — The formidable, and indeed awful, aspect of this 
disease is apt to operate in the mind of the owner of the animal 
favorably for the veterinary surgeon, inasmuch as it gives rise to 
his being called to the case sooner than he otherwise would have 
been. Should the summons be an early one, at the time that 
the protrusion is recent, and its volume nothing so very alarming, 
judicious exercise of the taxis, if employed at the moment, may 
succeed in the return of the gut. Distributing the fingers of both 
hands over the wrinkled and swollen body of the protrusion, 



HORSE MANAGEMENT, ETC. 389 

steady, firm, and forcible pressure ought to be maintained against 
it for such length of time as appears to afford any chance of suc- 
cess, augmenting the force used whenever there be any remission 
of the straining. Should the first efforts of this description fail, 
the protruded mass may have its bulk lessened and constricted as 
much as possible by local application of some sort, than which 
none offers a better chance of succeeding than such as follows 
from sudden and intense cold, though to a part so sensitive and 
vascular the practice is not devoid of danger. Ice may be pow- 
dered and inclosed in a linen bag, so as to form a sort of bolster, 
that may be held or braced with firmness upon the tumefaction. 
The contrary of such treatment as this, however, though the ob- 
ject be the same, is generally preferred — namely, fomentation, 
medicated or not, with scarification of the exposed membrane — 
though in other cases astringent applications are employed, with 
a view of causing contraction and diminution of the mass, such as 
lime-water, decoction of oak bark, solution of alum, etc. ; and 
while such proceedings are going on, it is advisable to have the 
hind parts raised. Supposing we succeed in accomplishing the 
reduction, the chances are in favor of the relapse of the prolapsus, 
and these chances seem great in proportion to the facility with 
which the return of the inverted gut has been effected. Indeed, 
so constant and troublesome does the return in some of these cases 
become, that it is necessary to contrive some sort of truss to op- 
pose the descent, the same as is done for rupture in man. Mr. 
Dycer's truss consisted of 'a new wet chamois leather, a breast- 
plate, and a hip (human) truss.' Should constipation be thought 
to operate against reduction, in addition to clysters, we may ex- 
hibit cathartics and aloes in solution, and should there be plethora 
and great irritability in the membrane of the rectum and anus, a 
blood-letting will be advisable, while an opiate or belladonna clys- 
ter will be advantageously administered, in order to allay all local 
irritation as much as possible. 

As a dernier and effective mode of procedure in prolapsus 
ani, when the case proves either irreducible, or, after return, con- 
tinually protrudes on any slight effort, such as coughing afresh, 
we have recourse, with safety and certainty, to an operation con- 
sisting in excision of more or less of the inverted membrane en- 
veloping the protruding portion of the gut. This is an operation 
of ancient date, though to Dupuytren is ascribed the credit of 



390 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

introducing it into human practice, and to the French veterinarians 
that of transplanting the same into veterinary practice. For- 
merly the actual cautery was the instrument employed for the 
removal of the parts obstructing reduction ; but in our own day 
this has been thrown aside for the scalpel, an instrument quite as 
effective, while the simple act of cutting with a knife gives so 
much less pain than cutting or dividing with the actual cautery. 
In general, it is considered necessary to cast the horse for the ope- 
ration; but Mr. Gregory, V. S., did not cast his patient, but 
merely put on a side-line, and had one leg held up and the tail 
kept" on one side ; and, most assuredly, the standing position of 
the patient is one which, in such an operation, offers no mean 
advantages to the operator, provided he can avail himself of it 
without any personal danger. A great preservation against re- 
fractoriness in an operation of the kind, at the moment when any 
pain is felt, is a twitch, well put on, and well and timely turned. 
The horse secured, with his tail turned out of the way, an incision, 
forming a circle, is to be carried around the protruding mass, at 
sufficient distance from the constricted part of the neck of the 
protrusion to leave behind it such parts as are distended from 
tumefaction or infiltration, whose removal will render the retrac- 
tion of the gut an easy and natural effort. In making incision, 
it may be advisable to take up and tie with a silk ligature any 
vessel met with of size enough to issue a current of blood, though 
sometimes no such precaution is required. In the case mentioned 
by Mr. Gregory, not more than a quart of blood was lost. The 
incision ought to be made of sufficient depth to penetrate com- 
pletely through the substance of the mucous membrane, however 
morbidly thickened that may be, without, however, running a 
risk of wounding the muscular coat beneath it, the object being 
to dissect the former away and strip it off the latter, so as to lessen' 
the bulk of the mass to that degree that return becomes a volun- 
tary and facile action of the animal himself. So soon, however, 
as this denudation has been carried near to the inverted anus, 
care must be taken not to dissect or otherwise injure the sphincter 
of that part, lest we leave the horse with an imperfection in closing 
an outlet of so important a function. A soft or mash diet should, 
for a few weeks, succeed the operation, with abstinence from hay, 
which, from its fibrous, prickly nature, must be particularly offen- 
sive to the denuded gut. Occasional emollient clysters are also 



HORSE MANAGEMENT, ETC. 391 

recommendable, especially when there appears any pain or diffi- 
culty in giving exit to the feces." 

Hemorrhoids, or Piles in the Horse. 

The following case of piles, occurring in the practice of Mr. 
P. "Wals, V. S., is here introduced from the " Veternarian : " 

"On the evening of March 13, 1851, I was summoned hastily 
to attend a brown carriage-mare, belonging to an employer about 
a mile distant from Norwich, which was reported to have some- 
thing ' bloody' hanging out of her rectum. The coachman who 
came said it had made its appearance two or three times during 
the day after dunging, but had always returned again, until just 
before he left home, when a portion of it was left out, and the 
mare became very uneasy. On my arrival, I found, as reported, 
the mare in pain, indicated by a peculiar switching or lashing of 
the tail, and stamping of the hind feet; but she had not lain 
down, although she made several attempts to do so. It first struck 
me as a case of prolapsus ani, but, on examination, it proved to be 
a true case of piles. The tumor protruding was about the size of 
a duck's egg, presenting precisely the appearance of a pilous grape 
in the human subject, only, of course, much larger. I had some 
difficulty in returning it, in consequence of the powerful action 
of the sphincter ani, which, no doubt, accounted for the pain ; but, 
having accomplished it, the mare became easy, and continued so 
for some little time. I thought it right, however, to have her 
removed to my infirmary, as I anticipated a return of the tumor 
when she again dunged, in which I was not deceived, since, on her 
arrival at my stable, I found it out again. On making a more 
minute examination, I discovered smaller tumors round and about 
the larger one, the latter, however, being the only one that pro- 
truded. The mare being naturally of an irritable temperament, 
and consequently dunging more frequently than one less so would 
have done, induced me to have a careful assistant remain up with 
her during the night, for the purpose of returning the tumor 
whenever it made its reappearance, which it invariably was said 
to do after each evacuation, pain being constantly present at such 
time. 

Reflecting on the case next morning, and observing consider- 
able mischief was being done by the necessary manipulation, I 



392 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

foresaw I should have a very troublesome case, unless I could hit 
upon some plan of dilating the sphincter so as to allow of a return 
of the tumor without so much handling of it. This I accom- 
plished in the following manner : I had the mare placed in a nar- 
row stall, the back part of which was well bedded with litter, so 
that, in standing, her hind quarters were elevated six or eight 
inches higher than the fore ones. I then procured a pair of glove- 
sticks, such as glovers use for opening the fingers of gloves, and, 
having dipped their ends in oil,-gently introduced them about an 
inch or an inch and a half into the rectum, underneath the tumor, 
letting it, in fact, rest upon them. In this way, by pressing the 
handles, dilatation took place, and the tumor receded with little or 
no difficulty. This treatment I persevered in for four days, in 
conjunction with a constant application of cold water to the parts, 
at the end of which time such great improvement had taken place 
that the use of the sticks became no longer necessary. In four 
days more the parts appeared to have become quite reinstated, 
which, of course, rendered any further treatment unnecessary. I 
gave no medicine, except a very mild aperient in the first instance, 
but kept the bowels lax with bran, linseed, carrots, etc. The mare 
being sold shortly afterward, I lost sight of her, and am unable to 
say, in consequence, whether any return of the difficulty has taken 
place, but I should think such an occurrence not improbable." 

Pricking or Nicking Hoeses' Tails. 

The English method of nicking horses is, instead of inserting a 
knife and making a subcutaneous section of the muscles of the 
tail, known as the depressors, to make three straight incisions at 
equal distances right across the tail. By this method the muscles 
of the tail are effectually or completely divided. The first incision 
is usually made about two inches from the root of the tail, and 
the other two at equal distances from the first, in a direction toward 
the end of the tail. The tail is then kept perpendicular, in the 
usual manner, by pulleys. It is said that by this method a more 
graceful curvature of the tail is secured, which I believe is a fact, 
yet the operation is any thing but pleasant to the horse. It is one 
of the fashionable barbarisms of civilization. 

The English method of nicking, although the most unsightly 
and barbarous, is still the safest, as there is less liability to lock- 



HORSE MANAGEMENT, ETC. 393 

jaw. It is well-known that lock-jaw more frequently ensues 
from a punctured wound than a clean cut or incision ; yet when 
nicking or pricking, after the American fashion, (if care be taken 
to make the orifice through the skin sufficiently large, so that pus, 
afterward secreted, may escape,) I think there is no danger. The 
danger arises from the imprisonment of pus by closure of the 
orifice in the skin. In healthy subjects the orifice made through 
the skin will often unite in the course of a few hours ; then, should 
morbid matter accumulate within the substance of the tail, it bur- 
rows, forms an abscess, or else becomes absorbed, producing lock- 
jaw. Therefore, I would advise persons having pricked or nicked 
horses under their care, to pay strict attention to such, and see 
that the orifices are kept open, which may easily be done by oc- 
casionally inserting the point of a penknife. The skin should be 
the last to heal. The healing process must be perfected in the 
interior first, and, lastly, the skin. Should fungus or "proud 
flesh " appear, apply powdered bloodroot, burnt alum, or red pre- 
cipitate. When an abscess forms at the base of the tail after 
pricking, apply a poultice of flaxseed ; and when the tail is much 
inflamed and swollen, it should be bathed frequently with the 
following : 

No. 62. Acetic acid 1 part. 

Water » 7 parts. 

Mix. 

When horses are nicked in warm weather, the tail should be 
moistened with tincture of aloes ; this will keep the flies off. 

Persons who are not experts in the art of pricking are apt to 
wound, and sometimes completely sever the coccygeal arteries, 
thereby causing an unnecessary and dangerous hemorrhage. In 
such cases, I should advise the operator to crowd into the orifice 
a small piece of dry sponge. This will arrest the hemorrhage, 
and, at the same time, keep the divided ends of the muscles apart, 
so that they can not reunite ; hence it is not necessary to put the 
tail into pulleys for some hours, or until bleeding has ceased. 
When this is the case, the sponge may be removed by means of 
a small pair of forceps. 

The success in securing what is denominated a fashionable tail 
depends altogether on the skill of the operator, who must make 
a complete division of the muscles beneath the tail only, as their 
action is to compress and depress that useful appendage; for, 



394 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

should the incision be made too high on the side of the tail, the 
curvators may be partly or wholly severed. Then the tail will 
ultimately diverge laterally, or, in stable language, it will be said 
that "the horse does not carry his tail straight." To remedy 
this, the curvator on the opposite side must be divided ; then the 
tail has to be forcibly drawn and kept in an opposite direction 
from the curved side, so as to prevent the muscle from reuniting. 
In the course of a short time granulations are thrown out from 
the surface of the divided ends of the muscle. It then acquires 
length, and thus the tail becomes straight. 

ANATOMY OF THE TAIL. 

For the benefit of those who wish to practice the art of " nick- 
ing or pricking " understandingly, I now propose to give a brief 
exposition of the anatomy of the tail. 

Bones of the Tail. — The bones of the tail, numbering fifteen, 
sometimes sixteen, are situated at the back of the rump-bone, or 
sacrum. They are not a continuation of the vertebral bones, but 
are an appendage to the haunch bone. The bones entire are termed 
coccyx (from the Greek, which signifies cuckoo, the bill of which 
bird the appendage to the sacrum, or haunch-bone of man, is said 
to represent) ; and, in order to prevent confusion in anatomical 
terms, veterinary surgeons have applied the same name to the tail 
bones of the horse. Hence, when the terms coccygis or coccygeal 
are used, they have some relation to the tail. The bones are 
roughened on their surfaces, and have depressions' and eminences 
for the insertion of ligaments, tendons, and muscles. 

Muscles of the Tail. — These muscles are divisible into four pairs. 
They are most distinctly seen at the root of the tail, but, in their 
course toward the end of the same, they become blended one with 
another. 

The first pair of coccygeal muscles are situated on the upper 
part of the tail. They are attached to the sacrum and to the 
bones of the tail. Their action is to raise or erect the tail. 

The second pair are termed depressors coccyx, and are situated 
at the under part of the tail. They are attached to the under- 
neath part of the sacrum, and to the same locality on the bones 
of the tail. They are antagonistic to the first pair, and their di- 
rect action is to depress the tail. These are the muscles which 
should be divided in the process of pricking or nicking. 



HORSE MANAGEMENT, ETC. 395 

The third pair are termed curvators coccyx. These muscles are 
situated on the sides of the tail, between the first and second pairs. 
They are attached to the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebra, ,and to 
the sides or transverse processes of all the bones of the tail. Their 
action is to curve or flex the tail toward the quarter and sides, and 
the division of one of these muscles causes permanent flexure of 
the tail in an opposite direction. Considering the tail as a means 
of defense in switching oif flies, etc., these muscles are the principal 
ones called into action. 

The fourth pair are termed compressors coccyx. They are lo- 
cated at the sides and root of the tail, and are inserted into the 
back part of the hip bones' (ischium), and into the five first bones 
of the tail. The action of these muscles is to maintain the tail 
forcibly against the anus. In the mare, these muscles protect her 
from ravishment. 

The arteries of the Tail are termed coccygeal arteries. Those lo- 
cated at the sides are called lateral coccygeal, and the one found 
in the lower or inferior region is called inferior coccygeal. 

Nerves of the Tail. — As with the muscles, so with the nerves. 
There are four pairs of coccygeal nerves. They are not a con- 
tinuation of the true spinal cord, but are given off from it. They 
are distributed to the muscular filaments, to the skin, and at the 
extremity of the tail. 

Docking Horses. 

All persons familiar with the old tactics of "jockeyism" and 
the tricks of horse trade, will understand what is meant by the 
above caption. It is a most cruel and barbarous outrage on one 
of Nature's menials, and I feel inclined to indorse the sentiments 
of the profound poet Tupper, when he says, " In that great day, 
when crime is sentenced, cruel man shall not go uncondemned 
because no complaining brute stands there accusing, for our Fa- 
ther careth when a sparrow dies." 

Horses should never be deprived of any part of that valuable 
weapon of defense known as the tail. It is a part and parcel of 
the organization of the horse, and to deprive him of what Nature 
gave him, after the fashion of " doing all things well," is an out- 
rage which should be considered beneath the dignity of a gentle- 
man to perpetrate. Besides the cruelty which is acknowledged 



396 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

to be identified with the operation, there are other reasons, on the 
grounds of physiology, why the tail should be left entire, espe- 
cially in the case of a mare; but, as the reader is probably con- 
versant with the facts in the case, I shall not enter into a discussion 
of the same, but prefer to introduce the following paragraph; 
written by a person who aims at reform : 

" I am glad that the abominable practice of docking and nick- 
ing horses is going out of fashion. It prevails in no country in 
the world besides England and the United States. We got it 
from the mother country, and the sooner we leave it off the bet- 
ter. It is wonderful how any body but an ignorant, narrow- 
minded blockhead of a jockey should ever have thought of it 
being as offensive to good taste as it is a violation of every hu- 
mane feeling. Has Nature done her work in such a bungling 
manner in forming that paragon of animals, the horse, that a large 
piece of bone should be chopped off with an ax to reduce him to 
symmetry, or that beauty and grace can be obtained only by cut- 
ting a pair of his large muscles ? ' The docking and nicking of 
horses,' says an intelligent writer on farriery, ( is a shockingly cruel 
practice, and ought to be abandoned by the whole race of mankind. 
Every human being, possessed of feeling and a magnanimous 
mind, must confess that it is cruel and entirely uncalled for; but 
that creature called man attempts thus to mend the works of his 
almighty, wise Creator, in doing which he often spoils and dis- 
figures them. What is more beautiful than a fine horse, with an 
elegant, long tail and a flowing mane waving in the sports of the 
wind, and exhibiting itself in a perfect state of nature ? Besides, 
our Creator has given them for defense as well as beauty.' The 
same author relates an instance of a fine hunting horse, owned by 
an Englishman, which would carry its rider over the highest five- 
barred gate with ease ; but he thought that the horse did not carry 
as good a tail as he wished; he therefore had him nicked, and 
when the horse got well, he could scarcely carry over two bars. 
' Thus,' said he, ' I have spoiled a fine horse ; and no wonder, for 
it weakened his loins.' Any man of common sense would give 
ten per cent, more for a fine horse whose tail had never been 
mutilated, than for one which had been under the hands of a 
jockey." 



horse management, etc. 397 

Anemia. 

This signifies an impoverished state of the blood, usually oc- 
casioned by want of nutritious food and exposure to inclement 
weather. I was called, a short time ago, to see a yearling, said 
to be ailing and unthrifty, and had been so for some time. 

Symptoms. — The principal symptoms were as follows : The 
head, face, and eyes were in a dropsical condition and much swol- 
len ; underneath the heart, and along the lower part of the abdo- 
men, dropsical swellings were also observed; the membranes of 
the mouth and nose appeared pale, almost bloodless ; the pulse was 
quite slow, and the action of the heart feeble; the respirations 
were somewhat hurried, yet the lungs were not expanded to their 
full capacity. I was informed that the urine was thick, and of a 
cream-like color, and the feces hard and scanty. The muscular 
Bystem was spare and wiry ; the ribs could be easily counted, and 
the animal was unsteady on his legs. From such symptoms as 
these the reader will perceive that the case was one of debility, 
and from the fact that the animal had been confined to an innu- 
tritious diet, or, rather, like a hen, had to scratch for a living. 
It will also be inferred that the debility was the result of partial 
starvation. 

Treatment. — I gave the animal one drachm of sulphate of iron, 
and three ounces of the fluid extract of resin weed per day, dur- 
ing a period of ten days. At the same time, he was liberally fed 
on oats and good timothy hay, under which treatment he rapidly 
gained in health and strength, and soon recovered. 

The Use and Abuse of the Curry-comb. 

I do not advocate that the curry-comb shall be entirely dis- 
pensed with ; for, in the first place, it is needed for the purpose of 
removing scurf and dirt which has been removed from the ex- 
ternal surface of the body by means of the brush, and, probably, 
this was the intention of the man who first invented a curry- 
comb; and, in the next place, the curry-comb may be needed to 
scratch oif or remove mud that may have become dry and stiff on 
the limbs of horses ; and for these reasons, if for no others, I sup- 
pose we can not dispense with the curry-comb. There are some 
parts where the curry-comb should not be used — for example, on 



398 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

the inside of the thighs, flanks, chest, and face, where the skin is 
not so thick, and more sensitive than some other regions of the 
body. Some horses, especially those of a strongly-marked, nervous 
temperament, have very sensitive skins, and can not even bear a 
fly to light on their bodies without, evincing signs of pain and 
irritation. On such the curry-comb should be used gently and 
in a spirit of mercy. There are other horses, however, especially 
those of the lymphatic temperament, and whose skins are less 
sensitive, who can bear the action of the curry-comb without 
much flinching, and it is the duty of a merciful man to consider 
this matter when cleaning a horse. Thoroughbred horses, which 
include a vast number of the sanguine temperament, have a very 
active circulation over the whole surface of the body, and this 
vast circulation, through the superficial vessels, argues a delicate 
sense of touch. To them the curry-comb, unless used very gently, 
is severe torture. 

Horses and Cattle should have a Supply of 
Pure Water. 

Although few persons think it worth while to pay much atten- 
tion to this department of husbandry, yet a little reflection will 
convince any reasonable person of the value and importance of 
furnishing animals with a constant supply of pure water. Pure, 
cool water is said to be a God-send to a thirsty throat ; and as ani- 
mals are apt to have thirsty throats, they should be permitted to 
enjoy a luxury which costs but a trifle, and operates very favora- 
bly in promoting their health. All classes of domestic animals 
have as great an aversion to impure, filthy water as ourselves, and 
the former will often turn away with disgust from the filthy stuff 
called water which is often found in water-troughs on the road- 
side, and within the precincts of the barn and in some pastures. 
The common, stagnated pond-water, which many poor creatures 
are compelled to imbibe, is often the exciting cause of disease, 
especially in the Western States, where decayed vegetable matter 
abounds. 

Pure water will never injure an animal. I do not believe the 
stories which are told about horses becoming foundered in conse- 
quence of drinking pure water. In a majority of cases, Mr. Fast- 
man is blameable. He has probably either overdriven or over- 



HORSE MANAGEMENT, ETC. 399 

worked the creature, or else has suffered it, when heated, to cool 
off without the necessary care and attention which should always 
be observed when animals are fatigued or perspiring freely. Hard 
usage, willful neglect, and wanton cruelty are more likely to pro- 
duce disease than the universal beverage, so acceptable to the palate 
of a weary or thirsty horse. How often do we see a " let " horse 
come into the stable all exhausted and used up, scarcely able to 
advance one limb before another ! Examine into the facts, and we 
shall find that the powers of the subject have perhaps been over- 
taxed. He has been driven too far, or at too rapid a rate, for the 
present state of his constitution to endure, and perhaps he has not 
had sufficient nourishment to repair the waste incidental to the 
living mechanism under the states of rapid and protracted labor. 
Is not this enough to account for the used-up condition ? Is it 
not more rational to suppose that abuse of the respiratory organs 
and those of locomotion operates far more unfavorably on the 
horse than water ? It is. But- Mr. Fastman must, if there be 
any blame rightly belonging to him, try to shift the same from his 
shoulders, and, therefore, he avails himself of a popular error — 
"He drank too much water ;" yet the individual had no means of 
ascertaining the precise quantity needed. 

We might say, as regards some horses, whose labors are very 
fatiguing, that they come from their work, and, as soon as unhar- 
nessed, go to the trough, and imbibe from one to three buckets 
without any bad effect. Some animals need more water than 
others. The kind of work, the temperature of the atmosphere, 
and the nature of the food, whether it be wet or dry, all tend to 
diversify an animal's wants. The domesticated horse requires a 
bountiful supply of good water. His body is composed of seventy- 
five per cent, of the same, and he can no more exist without it 
than he can without food. A cow or ox is probably the best judge 
as regards its own wants as to the quantity of water needed. It 
is not the quantity which a rational animal imbibes which does 
harm, but it is the quality that demands our attention. 

Thirsty people drink all the cold water they need. Then why 
deprive a cow or horse of what they actually require ? Consider 
the condition of the inhabitants of populous cities during the sum- 
mer season. Thirst amounts almost to a disease, and, in view of 
quenching it, the thirsty are continually imbibing water, rendered 
cold, hot, sour, sweet, or alkaline, just as fancy dictates or as fashion 



400 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

prevails. Cold icings and other fixings are called into requisi- 
tion to smother the fire of thirst which rages within. Every body 
partakes freely — the young and the aged, the exhausted and vigor- 
ous, the laborer wearied by a hard day's work, and the rich man 
of no work — each and all are doing their best to see the bottom 
of the pitcher, and to pitch their bodies into the watery element. 
Yet, after all, how few persons complain of any bad effect from it. 

Inquire into the history of some of the acute maladies that are 
supposed to arise from water-drinking, and it will be found that 
many of the sufferers have a peculiarity of constitution which ren- 
ders them amenable to the laws of primogenital disease, which, 
although latent under ordinary circumstances, can, by disturbing 
the life forces, through neglect, cruelty, and overwork, be developed 
at almost any time of life. 

Animals should never be allowed to drink pond-water. They 
should either have access to a running stream or a clean water- 
trough. 

Galled Back. 

Galled back, or sore back, is usually occasioned by bad-fitting 
saddle or harness. If that be the case, the shape of the same must 
be altered so as to correspond to the shape of that portion of the 
back which comes in contact with it. This can be done by pad- 
ding the concavities with lamb's wool, and in chambering the con- 
vexities so that there shall be no unequal pressure nor causes for 
irritation. Yet, after all, it may be more economical to procure a 
new article and a better fit ; and this may also be the most humane 
policy. 

Treatment. — So soon as an abrasion is discovered on the back, 
the animal should be excused from duty for a few days. The 
abraded part should be lubricated two or three times daily with 
common tar and olive oil, equal parts, and this will soon restore 
the parts to soundness. Should there be no abrasion, yet tume- 
faction, heat, and tenderness, a cold-water pledget, renewed as 
occasion seems to require, will improve the condition of the parts, 
when recourse must be had to the tar and oil lotion. Sometimes, 
in consequence of neglect, the integument becomes callous or indu- 
rated. This condition was termed by ancient farriers " sit-fast." 
The treatment for this consists in smearing the callous with the 
following; : 



HORSE MANAGEMENT, ETC. 401 

No. 63. Iodide of potass 1 dr. 

Simple ointment 6 dr. 

Glycerine 2 dr. 

Mix these ingredients well together, and they are then fit for 
use. A few applications of this ointment will have the effect of 
removing the callous, when a healthy surface will appear. 

Some animals, owing to a peculiarity of constitution or of form, 
will chafe in those parts which come in contact with the collar and 
saddle, and no human foresight nor mechanical contrivance can 
always succeed in preventing the same. For example, some horses 
are humory, as the saying is — perhaps have a taint of scrofula 
about them — and if they perform a hard day's labor in the warm 
season of the year, notwithstanding they be harnessed in the best 
possible manner, they will come home at night with either galled 
shoulders or sore back. For such cases as these the harness-maker, 
with all his skill and ingenuity, has no other remedy than that of 
a palliative character. 

The Heakt. . 

The current of blood is said to be put in motion by a muscular 
organ known as the heart, which is located within the thorax, or 
chest. The blood is distributed to all the various ramifications 
of the body by means of vessels called arteries, and it is returned 
to the heart by the veins. The red color of the blood is due to 
the presence of red corpuscles, which are always to be found in the 
blood of the vertebrata. In some of the invertebrata the blood 
is white, or resembles the color of chyle. 

Ifode of Circulation. — The blood, having been propelled from 
the left or posterior ventricle of the heart to all the various rami- 
fications of the body, passes through the extreme vessels (capil- 
lary) into the veins. These veins terminate in a vessel known as 
vena cava, anterior and posterior, both of which sections termi- 
nate in the right or anterior auricle. This auricle contracts, and 
the venous blood thus finds its way into the right ventricle, where 
the pulmonary arteries have their origin. By aid of the muscular 
power of this ventricle, the blood is sent through the pulmonary 
arteries to the lungs (aeration and oxygenation.) The color of 
this blood is dark, almost black. It is highly carbonized, abounds 
in morbific matter and the worn-out materials of the body, and 
in this state is a non-supporter of vitality. In this condition, 
26 



402 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

then, venous blood enters the pulmonary tissues. The arteriali- 
zation of the blood which follows is a process more essential to 
vital integrity than the assimilation of food ; for animals can live 
a long time without food, but they can only exist a short time 
unless the blood be oxygenized. 

The pulmonary arteries branch off into minute ramifications on 
the surface of the air-cells of the lungs, and where these minute 
divisions terminate others commence, termed venous radicles, 
which ultimately become large veins. By the pulmonary veins 
the oxygenized blood is returned to the left auricle and ventricle 
of the heart. This route of the blood from heart to lungs, and back 
again from lungs to heart, is termed the lesser circulation. The 
left ventricle delivers the blood into the great aorta, and thence 
to every part of the body. This is called the greater circulation. 

Difference between Veins and Arteries. — The veins differ from 
arteries in- being less dense, having no muscular nor ligamentary 
tunics like the arteries, and, therefore, offer but little resistance to 
tight collars and tight-fitting harness and circingles, which are apt 
to interfere with the return of blood to the heart. The incapacity 
of veins returning blood to the heart in the same ratio in which it 
is carried by the arteries, is proved from the fact that, the former 
are twice as voluminous as the latter. The veins also differ in 
their internal arrangement from the arteries, the former being 
furnished, at proper distances, with valves, which guard against a 
retrograde venous action. 



The Quantity of Blood Contained in the Body 
or a Horse. 

Mr. Percivall, who is our chief authority on this subject, 
contends that, for many reasons, the quantity of blood contained 
in an animal body may be made matter of speculation, but can 
not, for many reasons, be ascertained with any degree of precision ; 
for, says he, " if we attempt to draw all the blood out of the body, 
the animal sinks and dies long before its vessels are evacuated; 
and as we possess no means of measuring what remains behind, 
any calculation we may make from the quantity that has flowed 
must necessarily turn out vague, if not altogether incorrect." He 
contends, however, that the following experiment offers a datum, 
or guide: 



HORSE MANAGEMENT, ETC. 403 

"The weight of an animal being ascertained to be seventy- 
nine pounds, a puncture was made with a lancet into the jugular, 
from which the blood flowed in a very free stream, and was col- 
lected. The vein having ceased to bleed, the caroted artery of 
the same side was divided, but no blood came from it. In a few 
seconds afterward the animal was dead. The weight of the car- 
cass was found to be seventy-three and one half pounds ; conse- 
quently, the animal had sustained a loss of 5.12 pounds, precisely 
the measure of the blood drawn. 

It appears, therefore, from this experiment, that an animal will 
lose one-fifteenth of its weight of blood ere it dies, although a less 
quantity may so far debilitate the vital powers as to be, though 
less suddenly, equally fatal. In the human subject, the quantity 
of blood has been computed at about one-eighth part of the weight 
of the body ; and as such an opinion has been broached from the 
results of experiments on quadrupeds, we may fairly take that to 
be about the proportion of it in the horse ; so that if we estimate 
the weight of a common-sized horse at about 12 cwt., the whole 
quantity of blood will amount to 84 quarts, or 168 pounds, of 
which about 45 quarts, or 90 pounds, will flow from the jugular 
vein prior to death, though the loss of a much smaller quantity 
will sometimes deprive the animal of life." 

The Eapidity of the Circulation. 

In 1827, Hering,* a German physiologist, performed the ex- 
periment of injecting into the jugular vein of a dog a harmless 
substance, which could be easily recognized by its chemical reac- 
tions, and noted the time which elapsed before it could be de- 
tected in the vein of the opposite side. This gave the first correct 
idea of the rapidity of the circulation ; for though the older phys- 
iologists had studied the subject, their estimates were founded on 
calculations which had no accurate basis, and gave very different 
results. The experiment of Hering is often roughly performed 
as a physiological demonstration, and we have thus had frequent 
occasion, in a general way, to verify its accuracy. If, for ex- 
ample, we expose both jugulars of a dog, inject into one a solution 
of ferro-cyanide of potassium in water, and draw a specimen of 

* Milne-Edwai-ds. 



404 . DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

blood from the other, with as little loss of time as possible, it will 
be found that, in twenty or thirty seconds after the injection, the 
salt has had time to pass from the jugular to the right side of the 
heart, thence to the lungs and left side of the heart, and from 
this, through the capillaries of the head and face, back to the 
jugular on the opposite side. Its presence can be determined by 
the distinct blue color produce,! on the addition of the perchlo- 
ride of iron to the serum, if the specimen be allowed to stand, or 
a clear extract of the blood be made by boiling with a little sul- 
phate of soda and filtering, treating the colorless liquid thus ob- 
tained with the salt of iron. The experiments of Hering were 
evidently conducted with great care and accuracy. He drew 
blood at intervals of five seconds after the commencement of the 
injection, and thus, by repeated observations, ascertained pretty 
nearly the rapidity of the circuit of blood in the animals on which 
he experimented. Others have taken up these investigations, and 
introduced some modifications in the manipulations. Vierordt 
collected the blood as it flowed, in little vessels fixed on a disk 
revolving at a known rate, which gave a little more exactness to 
the observations; but the method is essentially the same as that 
employed by Hering, and the results obtained by these two 
observers nearly correspond. 

Hering made observations on horses by increasing the fre- 
quency of the pulse, on the one hand, physiologically, by exercise, 
and, on the other hand, pathologically, by inducing inflammation. 
He found, in the first instance, that in a horse, with the heart 
beating at the rate of thirty-six per minute, with eight respira- 
tory acts, ferro-cyanide of potassium injected into the jugular ap- 
peared on the vessels on the opposite side, after an interval of 
from twenty to twenty -five seconds. By exercise, the number of 
pulsations was raised to one hundred per minute, and the rapidity 
of the circulation was from fifteen to twenty seconds. The obser- 
vations were made with an interval of twenty-four hours. The 
same results were obtained in other experiments. 

The Transfusion of Blood. 

J. Farrell, V. S., has lately been experimenting in an inter- 
esting department of veterinary science ; namely, the transfusion 
of equine blood in diseases attended with low, vital action. Trans- 



HORSE MANAGEMENT, ETC. 405 

fusion signifies the transfer of blood from one living animal to 
another, by means of a hollow tube inserted into the jugular veins 
of each horse. His method was as follows : 

" I commenced a series of experiments, so as to discover the 
simplest, safest, and most effectual method of conveying blood 
from one animal to another. I first tried the transfusion syringe, 
which has been used by medical practitioners for this purpose ; 
but, whether from want of skill in its use, or from some defect in 
the instrument, (which had been recommended to me as one of the 
best,) or from some other cause, I can not tell, but certain it is I 
was in no case so successful with it as I was with a more simple 
apparatus. I fancied that the blood lost much of its vitality by 
being exposed to atmospheric action, and also by its being forced 
and compressed within the cylinder of the instrument. These 
.impressions as to the cause of failure induced me to undertake 
several experiments, with a view to the construction of an instru- 
ment which would fulfill the requisite indications ; namely, to allow 
the blood to pass freely from the vein of the healthy into that of 
the diseased subject, without coming in contact with the atmos- 
phere, and without alteration of its temperature. I at length 
adopted an exceedingly simple apparatus, which may be described 
in a few words. It consists of an India-rubber tube, some two 
and a half feet long, and three-eighths of an inch in diameter; 
that is, about the caliber of the vein in the adult horse. To either 
end of this is fitted a silver tube, curved somewhat like a syphon, 
so that the end, which is slightly rounded at the point, might be 
easily passed into the vein, both tubes being exactly alike. A nar- 
row zinc or tin trough is required, to contain hot water, in which 
two-thirds of the tube should be immersed during the time that 
the blood is flowing. This completes the apparatus ; and, being 
prepared, and the horses ready, held by assistants, the jugular 
vein of the healthy horse from which the supply of is to be taken 
may be opened, and into it one of the silver tubes carefully passed, 
point upward, so as to receive the current of blood as it flows back 
from the head — the operator holding the other end, and, having 
previously opened the corresponding vein in the patient, he should 
wait till the current is passing freely down the tube from the 
healthy horse, and then bring it in contact with that which is now 
flowing slowly from the patient. He should pass the end of the 
tube carefully into the vein, point downward, by which means the 



406 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

possibility of any air getting into the tube is avoided. The quan- 
tity to be transfused is readily ascertained by watching the expres- 
sion of the eyes and noting the pulse carefully. So long as there 
is no dilatation of the pupils, and so long as the heart's action is not 
very much affected, the blood may be allowed to flow on uninter- 
ruptedly ; but as soon as the pupils become dilated, it is necessary 
to lessen the supply gradually, by compressing the tube with the 
finger and thumb. If the dilatation disappear after a minute or 
two, the blood may be again allowed to flow ; but if it increases, 
further transfusion must be stopped, or, otherwise, injurious con- 
sequences will result. 

In the cases of two animals which I purchased for the purpose 
of experiment, I purposely allowed the blood to flow after dilata- 
tion of the pupil had manifested itself, in order that I might see 
the result, and I found it to increase ; and in one of the cases, 
after winking both eyes three or four times, in rapid succession, 
the horse reared up and fell back. In the other case, I forced the 
blood in from an India-rubber enema bottle. The pupils first 
became still more dilated; the breathing very quick and difficult; 
the eyes assumed a wild, agonized look, and the animal, with a 
sudden bound, fell forward dead. I had my finger on the artery 
during the entire time, and observed a great unsteadiness and flut- 
tering of the pulse, which increased in frequency until the instant 
before he fell. In the first of these cases, I did not force the blood 
into the vein, but allowed it to flow until I perceived the injurious 
effects upon the horse. He tottered and fell, but in a short time 
recovered, and was walked back to his stable. He died in the 
course of the night, and, on examining his head the next day, I 
found considerable congestion of the brain. The tube used for 
the experiments transferred about three quarts of blood in eight 
minutes ; at least it might be so inferred, from the fact that when 
used as a syphon, it passed three and a half quarts of water (and 
a little less of oil) from one vessel to another in that time. 

I think, however, that I am correct in saying that this disease 
is by no means so likely to occur in horses as in human beings, and 
is certainly not so formidable ; but, nevertheless, I am quite sure 
that it may happen as a consequence of the operation, if the instru- 
ment be not kept scrupulously clean, and also if great care be not 
taken in its introduction in the vein. Having:, from these and 
other experiments, not necessary to detail, determined on the mode 



HORSE MANAGEMENT, ETC. 407 

of operation most likely to be successful, I shall now proceed to 
state the result of four cases in which I have operated, and which, 
I think, I may look upon as having been followed with entire 
success. In three of the cases the patients had been bled a short 
time previous to my having seen them, and were so much weak- 
ened that they could scarcely walk. In the fourth case, a drastic 
purgative had been administered, causing superpurgation and great 
prostration of strength. In each of the four cases, the condition 
of the patient was so similar that the description I have already 
given may answer for all. Having selected a healthy young horse 
from which to obtain the blood to be transferred, I opened the 
jugular vein in the patient and in the healthy subject; and hav- 
ing inserted the tube, as before described, into the vein of the 
healthy horse, I placed the India-rubber tube in the tin trough 
containing hot water, to maintain the right temperature, and the 
other curved tube into the descending portion of the vein in the 
patient. As soon as the current from the healthy horse had com- 
pletely expelled all atmospheric air, the instrument being thus 
arranged, the blood flowed freely from the vein of one horse into 
that of the other in an unbroken current. The average quantity 
of blood transferred in each of these cases was about three quarts. 
I observed no particular symptoms to follow from the transfusion, 
until two quarts or more had passed from the healthy to the dis- 
eased subject ; but as soon as about that quantity had flowed, there 
appeared to be produced an amount of stimulation, indicated by an 
increased action of the heart ; at the same time the pupils began to 
dilate, and the countenance evinced an anxious expression. My 
former experiments led me to watch with great care the progress- 
ive dilatation of the pupil, and I deemed it expedient, in each case, 
when this symptom was well developed, to compress the tube so 
as to diminish the current, and allow the transfusion to proceed 
more gradually and slowly. Occasionally I almost completely 
interrupted the current until the subsidence of this symptom, and 
I found that when about three quarts had been transfused, any 
additional quantity was followed by unpleasant symptoms, which 
indicated the necessity of stopping the operation. On removing 
the tube and closing the vein, all symptoms of irritation "gradually 
subsided, and the pulse, from being rapid and irritable, became 
slower, stronger, and fuller, gradually approaching the healthy 
standard. 



408 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

In each of these four cases the reaction was steady and progres- 
sive. The natural warmth of the extremities was gradually 
restored, and, in the course of ten or twelve hours, the patient 
presented other equally unmistakable symptoms of amendment, 
such as returning appetite, more quiet and steady respiration, 
cheerfulness of countenance, and a willingness to move about. 
From this point there was a gradual improvement, and, in a short 
time, they were pronounced cured. 

I have been induced to submit these few remarks, much less 
with a view to record any little success I may have had in per- 
forming the operation myself, than with a hope that others, far 
more capable, will take up the matter, and test it thoroughly ; for, 
whatever. obstacles and objections there may be to its performance 
in the human subject, there are none to prevent its becoming a 
most valuable agent in veterinary science." 

Soon after the discovery of the circulation of the blood by 
Harvey, transfusion was attempted on animals, and afterward 
on man. In some cases the experiment was successful, while 
others failed to aiFord relief; in fact, a majority of the cases ter- 
minated unfavorably ; and of late years transfusion has been aban- 
doned, and regarded as " useless and even dangerous." We can 
conceive, however, of cases which might occur — when, for exam- 
ple, a horse has lost a large quantity of blood accidentally — to 
warrant us in resorting to transfusion; and if any of our veter- 
inary friends are disposed to make experiments of this kind, we 
urge them to do so, notwithstanding the opinion of the Parlia- 
ment of France against it, and that of some scientific men who 
have pronounced it " useless and dangerous." 

One among the many reasons which may be urged against 
transfusion is the fact that venous blood is a non-supporter of 
vitality. It is saturated with the excrementitious material ab- 
sorbed from the intestinal canal, fibrous membranes, and cellular 
tissues, and a vast amount of morbific matter is mixed with the 
venous blood in the course of its circulation, so that it can not be 
of any benefit to the system of a sick or dying horse until it shall 
become oxygenized or vitalized, or changed from venous to arte- 
rial blood, which change can not possibly take place until this 
fluid has reached the air-cells of the lungs.. It would appear, 
therefore, that the transfusion of vitalized arterial blood, if the 
process can be conducted with the relative amount of safety at- 



HORSE MANAGEMENT, ETC. 409 

tending that of the transfer of venous blood, would be a procedure 
more consistent with the known laws of physiology than is the 
case when venous blood is transfused. It is possible that some 
animals might be benefited by the* transfusion of venous blood, 
provided the heart and lungs of the patient are in a healthy state, 
so as to insure sufficient oxygenation; otherwise, the rapid con- 
sumption of the little oxygen absorbed would be likely to end in 
asphyxia. If the function of the lungs be impaired by disease, 
then the process of aeration of the blood is checked, and the blood 
can not circulate, notwithstanding the healthy state of the heart. 
In verification of this fact, as regards the very important function 
of respiration and aeration, we may mention that Dr. Austin 
Flint, Jun., has lately demonstrated that the condition of oxy- 
genation of the blood is necessary to the performance of the vital 
functions, and that a want of capillary power (occasioned by im- 
perfect oxygenation) throws all onus on the heart, and that the 
heart is insufficient for the labor. In one of his experiments, after 
capillary circulation had entirely ceased, the chest was opened 
and the heart found beating regularly. 

Management of the Horse's Foot in the Stable. 

It is my firm belief, based on a knowledge of the physiology 
of the foot, that soft bedding, containing the usual amount of 
filth, is, in many cases, the exciting cause, not only of tender- 
ness and contraction, but also of many muscular affections. I 
rejoice to find horse-owners exercising their reason in this depart- 
ment of -stable management, because it is one step in the right 
direction, and will put a stop to those glaring absurdities which 
are constantly practiced just because they have the sanction of 
antiquity, or because Neighbor So-and-so recommends them. 
Reason teaches that the health of the whole animal fabric is best 
promoted by cleanliness and ventilation (by which a pure atmo- 
sphere is insured), and by food suitable in quantity and quality 
to the special wants of the animal. Hence, what reason teaches, 
man should practice. 

It is unreasonable, therefore, to suppose that a horse can be 
benefited by standing on a soft bed, composed in part of the de- 
filing excrements of his own body, which are constantly decom- 
posing and forming gaseous vapors unfit for respiration. If dirt 



410 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

and filth are innoxious, in what does the value of our sanitary 
regulations consist? Why do our city authorities spend so much 
money to purify the pestiferous cesspool and sewer, and to rid our 
streets of accumulating rubbish and filth ? Let human beings wal- 
low knee-deep in muck, and revel shoulder-deep in an atmosphere 
saturated with ammoniacal and carbonic acid gases (as some horses 
are compelled to), and death would run riot — our cities would be 
converted into immense charnel-houses, fit receptacles for a race 
of beings that would not adopt the means which reason and expe- 
rience suggest for averting the calamity. 

Horses that have no better care than that alluded to, are in 
close proximity with disease. That they are often found dead in 
their stalls from the effects of carbonized blood I can testify, and' 
many more would die, only they are permitted to take a little of 
the breath of life during the day, which, to some extent, dilutes 
the poisonous gases with which their system has been saturated 
during the night, and thus their life, which, under the best cir- 
cumstances, is a weary toil, is prolonged. 

Without attempting to prove the general effects of impure air 
and filth on the system of a horse located in a stall from one to 
two and a half feet deep of soft bedding, let us consider, in a brief 
manner, the local phenomena. Our readers are all aware that the 
combined action of heat and moisture tends to relax — enervates 
the tissues of the body, and, if carried beyond a certain point, 
ends in decomposition. Take, for example, a common poultice, 
apply it to a horse's foot, and renew it as soon as it becomes dry. 
In the course of two or three days the hoof will separate from 
its matrix, the frog and heels soften, the tissues be in a state 
of relaxation, and, if the poultice is continued, the hoof will 
separate from the sensible parts ; if the foot is already diseased, 
the separation is accelerated. Warm water has the same effect. 
Applied externally for any length of time, it relaxes and pros- 
trates ; applied internally, it relaxes and vomits. Hence the soft, 
(which implies moist,) hot bedding, tends to create morbid action 
in the feet, and whatever disease the horse may be predisposed to 
in those parts will generally manifest itself. Some animals, how- 
ever, escape the evils alluded to, owing to their insusceptibility; 
for disease of the foot can not occur without a susceptibility to it 
and the application of a cause. Soft bedding, cow dung, and other 
unmentionable filth, are often resorted to as remedies for con- 



HORSE MANAGEMENT, ETC. 411 

traction, but they are classed among the irrational barbarities of 
the past, with which they ought to have sunk into oblivion. 
Veterinary science has discovered that if such articles possess 
any virtue, it is owing to the moisture they impart to the foot. 
Therefore, on the score of decency, and in view of relaxing the 
contracted foot according to the principles of reason and modern 
science, we should avoid every kind of filth, and resort* to pure 
water or wholesome poultice ; or take off the shoes, wash the feet 
daily, and let the horse run to grass, so that he may bring the sole 
and frog in contact with the ground, and thus promote expansion 
of the heels. 

As regards the manufacture of tender feet, in both the young 
and aged, it makes but little difference whether they have the 
range of a filthy barn-yard or are confined in a bedded stall ; the 
effect is tenderness of foot, and subsequent lameness; and the 
same, or a disposition to it, may be transmitted through the sexual 
congress to future offspring. In view, therefore, of preventing 
diseased feet, strict attention must be paid to cleanliness. The 
stall floor should be composed of brick or plank, having just suf- 
ficient declivity to conduct fluids into a gutter, running along the 
entrance to the stall, which should terminate exterior to the stable, 
so that the ammonia, in which the urine is abundant, is carried 
beyond the stable atmosphere. The bedding, which, according 
to long custom, is stowed under the crib, there acting as a sort of 
noxious smelling-bottle to the horse's nostrils, should be spread 
out in the open air, sorted, the refuse and excrement removed to 
a dung-heap, located as far from the stable as possible; for the 
common manure receptacle, under the stable floor, is one of the 
worst features of stable economy. The stable floor should be 
washed clean as often as circumstances permit. 

Strangles. 

This disease is most prevalent in young horses. After the age 
of eight the disease is more rare. I have, however, seen some 
well-marked cases occurring in horses whose ages varied from five 
to eight years. Strangles is, without doubt, one of the evils of 
domestication, and often results from errors in diet and man- 
agement, which, if we make some exceptions, will generally bear 
improvement. 



412 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Strangles is supposed to be a disease to which all horses are 
subject once in their lives, yet Mr. Percivall contends that 
many horses escape the disease. Hence, if many escape, it is very 
natural for those who know the value of pure air, natural food, 
and exercise to conclude that the colt, while enjoying these great 
luxuries in the open air, by the side of its mother, guided by her 
superior instinct, is not liable to be attacked with a disease which, 
as already stated, we believe to result from depriving animals of 
those blessings which Nature has in store for them in their unre- 
strained state. But it often happens that young colts, after run- 
ning a season with their mother, partaking of the invigorating 
country air, grow up to be strong and robust, and then the period 
arrives for weaning them. How changed the scene ! Instead of 
being permitted to gambol in their native element, they are con- 
fined to a small space, not large enough to swing a cat round, and 
perhaps as dark as the grave ; and the animal, after fretting for a 
season, and making unsuccessful efforts to escape from its prison- 
house, tamely submits to the discipline, not, however, until he has 
cut and bruised and otherwise injured himself. I was called, a 
short time ago, to visit a young colt that had lacerated his head, 
breast, and fore-legs in a most shocking manner, in making an 
attempt to escape through a window from the horrors of confine- 
ment. His companions were about a dozen cows, more calculated 
to alarm and render his position a perilous one than otherwise; 
and the impure atmosphere, rendered so by the emanations from 
the excrements and from the lungs of his companions, was a source 
of great mischief. Then, who can blame such an one for attempt- 
ing to escape and regain liberty ? If strangles should appear in 
such a subject, it would not be surprising. 

Then, again, take a colt from its mother, whose milk contains 
all the elements for sustaining life and developing the organization 
of the young subject, and place it upon a diet of hay or like innu- 
tritious trash, a whole truss of which would not afford one-half 
the quantity of nutriment contained in a quart of its mother's 
milk. However profitable and well-adapted hay may be for stock 
of mature growth and powerful digestive organs, it is a sad mis- 
take to suppose that it will do for the young. A case of this kind 
•came under my observation last year. The subject, aged two and 
a half years, died in a state of marasmus (a gradual wasting of the 
system without any apparent disease). A post mortem examina- 



HORSE MANAGEMENT, ETC. 413 

tion failed to detect any disease other than general emaciation. 
On making inquiries concerning the food, the owner replied, " The 
colt has been fed on good sweet hay and corn-stalks ever since it 
was weaned." This was capital food for the poor thing, provided, 
however, its stomach had a grist-mill within it ; otherwise, it was 
hard fare, and must derange the digestive function, and, ere the 
colt has attained maturity, dyspepsia, in either a mild or aggra- 
vated form, has secured a victim. 

Mr. Peecivall has defined strangles to be " a diffusible swell- 
ing under the jaw. The tumor consists in a circumscribed inflam- 
mation, having all the characteristics of simple phlegmon, attack- 
ing the subcutaneous cellular substance included between the 
branches of the jaw, which, in consequence, become gradually 
filled and distended with eifusions of lymphy and serous matters, 
acquires a firm and solid feel, tenderness on pressure, and a sense 
of unnatural heat. This commonly proceeds to suppuration, end- 
ing, to all appearances, in a common submaxillary abscess. Now, 
this, and this alone, constitutes strangles. There are in the books 
a variety of other symptoms described, but they are all concomi- 
tant or accidental, none but these being, properly speaking, essen- 
tial to its existence. The usual concomitants are, membranous 
inflammation, giving rise to soreness about the throat ; reddening 
and discharge at the nose, and perhaps cough ; tumefaction of the 
salivary glands, producing pain and difficulty of deglutition; and, 
lastly, some slight febrile commotion of the system." 

Contagiousness of Strangles. — We learn from the "Veterina- 
rian" that M. Reynal, clinical professor at the Alfort School, 
submits a number of observations corroborative of the contagious 
character of strangles. He states that "young horses having 
strangles, and put into stables with horses of adult age, doing 
their duty, have communicated the disease to those of the latter, 
who have stood in adjoining stalls, though some few have only 
exhibited the disease in a catarrhal form. Even the foal has been 
known to suck the disease from its dam. Moreover, experiment 
has been had recourse to to inoculate for strangles. M. Damalix 
smeared with a sponge, impregnated w T ith matter taken from the 
abscess of strangles, twice daily, both sides of the pituitary mem- 
brane and the internal surfaces of the linings of the eyelids, in a 
sound horse, about to be cast for spavin. This was continued for 
seven days. On the eighth, he remarked that the horse had lost 



414 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

his appetite, had commenced running from both nostrils, coughed 
softly and loosely, and had swelling under the jaw, which ended 
in resolution, all the symptoms terminating eight days from their 
commencement. 

It has been remarked that strangles is more surely communi- 
cated at an early than a late stage, and in a certain form more 
readily than in others. Strangles will assume the herpetic char- 
acter, simulate farcy and glanders, settle in the mesenteric glands, 
or may follow castration. In regard to contagion, may be men- 
tioned, as most readily communicable, that form of strangles which 
assumes the character of eruptions on the lips, nose, and pituitary 
membrane." . 

The Tumor of Strangles is not always confined to the submax- 
illary space, as will be observed from the following case, which 
occurred in the author's practice, a short time ago, in a gray mare, 
and which speedily ran to a fatal termination. The subject had 
previously suffered from some internal disorder, and, on recovery 
from which, did not appear to regain its usual health, but re- 
mained in an unthrifty condition. A few days before our atten- 
tion was called to the case, a tumor made its appearance on the 
near hip, which suppurated and discharged. On the morning of 
our visit, the animal had been attacked with abdominal pain, for 
which remedies had been prescribed. They not appearing to 
afford relief, the owner called in the aid of some person, who in- 
serted a knife into the mouth, and wounded the palatine artery, 
from which the blood had flowed for several hours, but was now 
arrested. We found the extremities icy cold, and the pulse very 
feeble. The eye appeared glassy, mucous surfaces pale, and the 
lips hanging pendulous. There was a painful tumor on the near 
hind leg, close to the stifle, and another on the flank of the same 
side. The animal was exceedingly stiff and lame in the hind ex- 
tremities, and appeared to be failing very fast. Considering the 
case a hopeless one, we merely recommended some restorative cor- 
dial and a few quarts of gruel. The animal died in the course 
of a few hours, and its death, no doubt, was hastened by the loss 
of blood; for, as the owner expressed himself, "the horse had 
some life in him before being bled," thereby intimating that the 
abstraction of blood deprived him of that life. 

Treatment. — So soon as matter can be detected in the tumor or 
abscess beneath the jaw it should be laid open. This will liber- 



HORSE MANAGEMENT, ETC. 415 

ate a quantity of pus. The orifice thus made must not be allowed 
to close, but must be kept open for a few days, or until matter 
ceases to run. During this period, a liniment, composed of cod- 
liver oil, half a pint, and powdered camphor, two ounces, must 
occasionally be rubbed about the region of the jaws. Half an 
ounce of powdered chlorate of potass should be mixed in the 
drink, or with some flaxseed tea, if the patient will drink it. A 
couple of drachms of fluid extract of pleurisy-root may be given, 
night and morning, for a short time. Active medicine is not 
indicated ; good nursing, aided by pure air and voluntary exercise 
in an in closure, will soon restore the patient to health. 

"We close our labors in the Equine Department by entering 
our solemn protest against the unwarrantable use of the lancet or 
knife in Veterinary Practice. It is a disgrace to humanity, an 
outrage on the rights and privileges of that noble animal, the 
horse, over whom God has given us dominion and power — not to 
abuse and render their life a weary toil, and extort front them all 
the labor we can, but to protect them, to administer to their wants 
and necessities, and render their condition as happy as possible. 
A moral responsibility rests on every man to see that the claims 
which these poor creatures have upon our race are respected ; that 
their rights are not violated ; that, when sick and in a dying con- 
dition, they shall be treated with mercy, and be protected from 
their tormentors, the unmerciful phlebotomists. Any misguided 
man who can draw from the veins of an emaciated or dying horse 
the little blood they contain should be sent to the insane asylum, 
and never again be permitted to disgrace the noble nature of man. 
We can respect the man who conscientiously practices blood-let- 
ting; but where is the medical man who can conscientiously bleed 
a dying brute with a view of saving life ? 



END OF EQUINE DEPARTMENT. 




BOVINE DEPARTMENT. 




27 




EXPLANATION. 

The above cut represents the geneology of pleuro-pneumonia, as it occurred in Massacha- 
eetts, a few years ago. It commenced with Mr. Chenery's herd, and spread in the above 
order. The names are those of the parties whose herds took the disease by infection or con- 
tagion. (See article Pleuro-pneumonia.) 
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PART SECOND. 
DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



SECTION" XIV. 

THE RINDERPEST, OR CONTAGIOUS PLEURO- 
PNEUMONIA. 

Origin of the Disease in Massachusetts — Spread of the Disease — The 
Cattle Plague in Kentucky. 

Origin of the Disease in Massachusetts. 

IN the early part of the spring of 1859, Mr. W. W. Chenery 
sent to Holland for three cows and one heifer. They arrived 
in Boston on the 23d of May. Two of the cows were found to 
be in very bad condition. The first died at the end of a week, 
and was buried; the second one died two days afterward, and 
was also buried. About the 26th of June the third cow was found 
to be sick ; she died the 29th day of June. The next cow found 
to be diseased was taken sick in August. This cow was imported 
from Holland in 1852. She died in about a fortnight from the 
time she was first taken. The disease then spread among the 
rest of the herd owned by Mr. Chenery, of which he lost a 
large number. 

I examined the two cows that were landed sick. They did not 
appear to manifest any symptoms of pleuro-pneumonia, but seemed 
to have suffered terribly from the effects of the voyage. They had 
got down during the latter part of the voyage, and the external 
surface of the body was so bruised and abraded that some of the 
bones were visible. But perhaps Mr. Chenery's own history of 

(419) 



420 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

the origin of the disease in Massachusetts may be the best that can 
be given, which I here present to the reader : 

Boston, Mass., 31arch 7, 1860. 

Dear Sir : In compliance with your request, I take pleasure in fur- 
nishing you a succinct account of my last importation of cattle from 
Holland, and also of the disease that subsequently prevailed in my 
herd at the Highland Farm, iu Belmont, as is now generally supposed, 
in consequence of that importation. 

It may be remarked that I had previously made two importations 
from Holland, and the extraordinary superiority of the animals received 
from that source, in comparison either with our native or any of the 
foreign breeds heretofore imported, induced me to increase my stock 
of Dutch cattle by further importations, rather than await the natural 
increase from those already imported. Accordingly, in December, 
1858, I transmitted an order to my correspondents in Schiedam, Hol- 
land, instructing them to employ a competent person expressly to pro- 
ceed to the north of Holland and make selections of the best animals 
that could be obtained, without regard to the expense. Following my 
instructions, four cows were procured from Purmerend and the Beem- 
ster, and were duly shipped at Rotterdam, on board the barque " J. C. 
Humphreys," which vessel sailed from that port early in April, and 
arrived here on the 23d of May, 1859. 

Upon examination, the cows were found to be in an extremely bad 
condition — very much bruised and emaciated — one of them, as the 
mate of the barque stated, not having been on her feet during the 
twenty days preceding her arrival, while another one was totally una- 
ble to walk, and these two animals were accordingly carried to the farm 
in wagons. The remaining two were driven out. Deeming it impos- 
sible for the first-mentioned cow to recover, she wa§, on the 31st of 
May, slaughtered, and on the 2d of June following the second cow 
died. At that time, in common with every one knowing the facts in 
the case, I was so fully persuaded that the bad condition of these ani- 
mals was caused by neglect on the voyage, that I libeled the vessel, 
and went through a course of one hundred and fifty dollars' worth of 
law in my endeavors to obtain indemnity for the loss ; but the law is 
uncertain, and the barque went on her way. My mind, however, re- 
mains unchanged with regard to the treatment the animals received on 
the voyage. The third cow of this importation seemed to be doing 
well until about the 20th of June, when she became sick, and died in 
ten days after. The fourth cow, " Lady Beemster," has, down to this 
time, shown no indications of sickness, but is, on the contrary, in a 
thriving condition. 



RINDERPEST, OR CONTAGIOUS PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. 421 

Early in the month of August following, symptoms of disease were 
observable in the Dutch cow, " Lady Louise " (imported in 1852). 
She died on the 20th of the same month. About this time several 
other animals were taken sick, in rapid succession, and then it was that 
the idea was first advanced that the disease was identical with that 
known in Europe as " epizootic pleuro-pneumonia." From that date 
every possible precaution was taken to prevent the spread of the sup- 
posed distemper, strict orders having been given that no animals should 
be allowed to leave the farm, nor any strange cattle to come upon the 
premises. A temporary building was erected, in a pasture at consider- 
able distance from the farm barn, to which the animals not infected were 
removed, and disinfecting agents were used about the premises, etc. 

The following extract from my letter-book, in answer to an applica- 
tion for stock during the prevalence of the disease, will serve to show 
my views with regard to it at that time : " I am at present obliged to 
decline any applications for stock, owing to an epidemic disease in my 
herd. The disease is that known as ' pleuro-pneumonia,' and I have 
already lost seventeen head, and have ten more very sick. I am using 
every precaution to prevent the disease from spreading, and you will, 
of course, see the propriety of my refusing to allow any anirnal to leave 
the farm until the infection has ceased." 

It is manifest that the means used to prevent the spread of the dis- 
temper have so far proved eminently successful, inasmuch as, notwith- 
standing I have lost some thirty animals (nearly half of my whole 
herd), there has not been a single case of the disease elsewhere in the 
neighborhood of my farm. 

As there seems to be an impression abroad that the disease in my 
case was confined exclusively to the Dutch stock, I would remark that 
such is not the fact ; that, on the contrary, they have, comparatively, 
been more exempt from it than any other breed. It is not, however, 
confined to any particular breed, or to any age or sex, as the full-grown 
ox, the mature cow, and the young calf have been alike prostrated by 
it; and of the animals lost, five were thorough-bred Dutch, five Dur- 
ham, one Ayrshire, one Guernsey, two Jerseys, five Devons, two natives 
(all the natives on the farm), and the remainder were grade Dutch. 

There has been no new case of sickness in my herd since the death 
of the mammoth cow " Lady Washington," which occurred on the 8th 
of January, and I am, therefore, induced to believe that, so far as my 
animals are concerned, the disease has run its course. 

From the foregoing remarks, it will be perceived that some months 
ago, when the disease was raging, I believed it to be infectious or con- 
tagious ; but I confess that more recently the conviction has forced 
itself upon me that it was of an entirely local character ; that the 



422 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

lungs of the cattle had become diseased by breathing carbonic acid 
gas, generated in the cow-house in consequence of insufficient ventila- 
tion. The recent developments with regard to the spread of the disease 
in North Brookfield and vicinity — in tracing its origin to the calves 
that went from my farm in June last — together with the information I 
have just received in a letter from Holland upon the subject, will, I 
fear, force me back again to the belief that it is the veritable European 
scourge. 

With regard to the treatment of the disease, I can only say that 
several of our most eminent veterinary surgeons have availed them- 
selves of the opportunity to study the disease, by post mortem exami- 
nations and otherwise, and are, doubtless, competent to give valuable 
information upon the subject. My own private opinion, based upon 
costly experience, is, that whenever an animal becomes really sick with 
this distemper, the best teatment is to slaughter and bury forthwith. 

In concluding this long letter, I beg to say that, if it shall prove 
that through my efforts to improve the breeds of neat cattle, I have 
been the means of introducing this disease into the country, I am sure 
no one can possibly regret it more sincerely than myself. At the same 
time, I feel some consolation in believing that, provided the disease 
cau be restricted to any thing like its present limits, the benefits con- 
ferred by the introduction of the Dutch cattle here will more than 
outweigh the losses incurred by the introduction of the disease. 
Respectfully, 

WlNTHROP W. CHENERY. 

Spread of the Disease. 

The disease was introduced into North Brookfield from Bel- 
mont. Mr. C. Stoddard, a young man of North Brookfield, 
purchased of Mr. Chenery three calves. After arriving (by 
rail) at North Brookfield, they were driven toward the place of 
destination (about five miles). On the way, one of the calves was 
observed to falter, and at the end of the journey seemed to be 
quite sick. In two or three days, the father of the young man 
took the calf away to his own barn for treatment. In this barn 
were about forty head of cattle. The calf growing no better, the 
son took it back again to his own residence. In about ten days 
it died. Soon the senior Stoddard observed that one of his oxen 
was sick ; it soon died. Two weeks after, a second was taken sick 
and died. Finally, in the course of a short time he had lost eight 
oxen and cows. Young Stoddard lost no animal by the infection 



RINDERPEST, OR CONTAGIOUS PLEUROPNEUMONIA. 423 

at that time. He sold, however, eleven heifers, and retained nine 
of the most valuable himself. These nine were four oxen and 
five young cattle. The four he took to his father, three of the 
others to his uncle, and the remaining two he left with his father- 
in-law. It was finally discovered that wherever these animals 
went they scattered the infection, without a single failure, show- 
ing that the disease was of a contagious character. It turned out, 
finally, that the herds of both father and son were badly diseased. 
Out of the nine formerly belonging to the son, seven were the 
subjects of pleuro-pneumonia. The elder Stoddard lost fourteen 
of his animals before the commissioners for the extirpation of the 
pest were appointed. The elder Stoddard kept about eight oxen, 
which he employed in teaming. He was drawing some lumber, 
and stopped over night at a neighbor's named Needham. The 
disease was communicated, and Mr. Needham finally lost his whole 
herd. Many died, while others were destroyed by order of the 
commissioners. Finally, Mr. Stoddard sold an animal to Mr. 
Woodis, of New Braintree, who had twenty-three fine cows. 
Seven or eight died before the commissioners got there, and the 
whole herd had to be condemned. Next, Mr. Stoddard sold a 
yoke of cattle to Mr. Olmstead. At the end of five days they 
had infected the whole herd. Finally, these cattle came into the 
hands of Mr. Doane. They were put in with twenty-two yoke 
of cattle, and employed a day and a half in moving a building 
from Oakham to North Brookfield. It was afterward proved that 
the whole of these cattle took the infection. Belonging, as they 
did, to eleven different herds, they carried the infection to eleven 
different farms, and thus, by contagion or infection, the cattle for 
miles around became the subjects of pleuro-pneumonia. The 
disease assumed such proportions that the commissioners had not 
funds sufficient (ten thousand dollars) to perform the operations 
required by law — namely, extirpation. And here it may be proper 
to inform the reader that the commissioners had no power to 
order an attempt at medicinal treatment. They were ordered to 
extirpate the malady — to kill and bury all infected herds; and 
this has, finally, proved to be, both in this and other countries, 
the cheapest way of getting rid of contagious pleuro-pneumonia. 

The following is a brief record of the autopsies made by veter- 
inary surgeons employed by the State of Massachusetts : 

Autopsy 1. — This cow appeared badly. She coughed, but, it 



424 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

was said, ate well. The posterior lobe of the lung adhered to the 
diaphragm, was indurated, and contained a cyst, in which was a 
very small quantity of pus and a mass of detached lung of the 
size of a quart measure. This was connected with the main por- 
tion of the lung by bronchi, some of which had been cut off in 
such a manner as to admit air into the cyst. The mass was offen- 
sive, friable, and, on incision, did not present the bright, mottled, 
organized appearance of similar masses lying in air-tight cysts. 
There was no serum in the chest. — Dr. Martin, April 12, 1860. 

Autopsy 2. — An ox, 7 years old. The lung was extensively 
and firmly adherent in various parts, and almost "as hard as a 
stone." On incision, there was found a large cyst, containing pus 
and lymph. — Drs. Dadd and Thayer, April 19, 1860. 

Autopsy 3. — A steer, 3 years old. The owner said that this 
animal was but slightly, if at all sick. The left lung was adher- 
ent to the pleura costalis and diaphragm. On incision, there was 
found, in the middle, a large cyst, containing pulmonary tissue. 
The right lung was adherent, but its substance healthy. — Drs. 
Dadd and Thayer, April 19, 1860. 

Autopsy 4. — A steer, 2 years old. Marked adhesion of the 
posterior superior portion of the lung to the diaphragm. Some 
consolidation of the lung. The right lung contained a cyst, in 
which was a mass not entirely separated. — Drs. Dadd and 
Thayer, April 19, 1860. 

Autopsy 5. — A cow, 8 years old. The owner said that this 
animal was one of the most healthy in his herd. At the apex of 
the left lung was a very large slough. There was also red hepa- 
tization. — Drs. Dadd and Thayer, April 19, 1860. 

Autopsy 6. — An ox, 7 years old, owned by Curtis Stoddard, and 
exposed to the Chenery calf during the illness of the latter. The 
superior anterior portion of the right lung was much enlarged, 
and contained a large cyst, in which was a quantity of pus and a 
mass of detached pulmonary tissue. Left lung adherent to the 
diaphragm. — Drs. Dadd and Tyler, April 20, 1860. 

Autopsy 7. — The anterior lobe of the right lung adhered to the 
sternum. A portion of the pulmonary tissue was separated and 
contained in a cyst. — Drs. Bates, Dadd, and Thayer, April 
21, 1860. 

Autopsy 8. — A yearling heifer. Much serum was found in the 
chest, and the pleural surfaces were extensively adherent. The 



RINDERPEST, OR CONTAGIOUS PLEUROPNEUMONIA. 425 

substance of the right lung was completely* marbled, some parts 
having suppurated, while others were only indurated. — Dr. Ty- 
ler, April 27, 1860. 

Autopsy 9. — Killed a cow which had been sick nineteen days. 
She was feeble; had but little appetite; diarrhea, cough, and 
shortness of breath; hair rough, etc. Percussion dull all over 
the left side of the chest, with absence of normal respiration. The 
left pleural cavity contained several gallons of serum. Over the 
costal pleura was a firm layer of lymph, resembling the velvety 
parts of tripe. The whole lung was indurated, especially at its 
base, and brittle, like liver. No pus. Right side and lung 
healthy.— Dr. Martin, April 11, 1860. 

Autopsy 10. — Killed a cow, 10 years old. Sick since January. 
Dullness over the left side. On opening the chest, there flowed 
from it a stream of fetid matter as thick as tar. Strong adhesions 
to the ribs. In the lung was a large tumor, enveloped in a cyst, 
or sac. Eight lung indurated. — Drs. Dadd, Thayer, and Ty- 
ler, April 19, 1860. 

Autopsy 11. — Killed a calf, 3 weeks old. In the right pleural 
cavity was a quart of serum. Lymph, easily separated, was spread 
over the surface of the lung. The left lung adhered to the ribs, 
sternum, and pericardium. — Drs. Dadd, Thayer, and Tyler, 
April 19, 1860. 

Autopsy 12. — Killed a cow, 10 years old, which had been sick 
three or four months. The posterior superior portions of the right 
lung adhered so strongly to the ribs and diaphragm, that the 
knife was necessary for their separation. On opening the poste- 
rior part of the lung, a detached mass was found, very soft, sur- 
rounded by pus, and contained in a sac. Left lung healthy. — Drs. 
Bates, Dadd, and Thayer, April 21, 1860. 

Autopsy 13. — Left lung healthy, but slight adhesions to dia- 
phragm. Right lung firmly adherent to the diaphragm. In it 
was found a mass of consolidated lung, not entirely separated. — 
Drs. Bates, Dadd, and Thayer, April 21, 1860. 

Autopsy 14. — Killed a calf, 4 weeks old. Right lung inflamed. 
Left chest filled with serum. Lung covered with lymph. — Drs. 
Bates, Dadd, and Thayer, April 21, 1860. 

Autopsy 15. — Killed a cow, 9 years old, and mother of the calf. 
In the right lung was a cyst of the size of a pullet's egg, filled 
with pus. The left lung contained a small cyst, filled with the 



426 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

same. Heart flabby .< — Drs. Bates, Dadd, and Thayer, April 

21, 1860. 

Autopsy 16. — Killed a stag that was in the "big team." Three 
months before, he had been sick for four weeks, but had recovered, 
and had been working very hard. Serum in the right pleural 
cavity. Lung indurated, and adherent throughout so strongly to 
the ribs and diaphragm, that it was necessary to cut or scrape it 
off. In this lung was a small cyst. — Examined May 9, 1860. 

Autopsy 17. — Killed the other stag. Left lung useless. Serum 
in the chest. Right lung in the acute inflammatory stage. 

These stags were taken December 3, 1860, in exchange for a 
yoke of oxen sold at the same time to William F. Doane, and 
kept with Olmstead's diseased herd. They were in the " big 
team" December 19. — Examined May 9, 1860. 

Many other autopsies were made by members of our sister pro- 
fession, human medicine, and the disease was always found to be 
seated within the chest. It was not of so formidable or malig- 
nant a character as it has proved to be in some parts of Europe, 
and probably this is owing to the fact, if fact it be, that in the 
transplantation of the disease from Holland to this country it has 
undergone some modification. 

From my own experience, I am led to believe that the Holland 
cattle inherit in their systems an idiosyncrasy or predisposition to 
pleuro-pneumonia, and that Avhen the circumstances are favorable 
for its development — namely, impure air and bad management — 
the latent disease to which, by virtue of their constitution they 
are liable, is thus fanned into a flame. Being in its character 
contagious, it then spreads, according to the laws, or after the 
fashion which govern or obtain, in other epizootic contagious 
maladies. This must have been the case as regards Mr. Chen- 
ERy's herd. Before his Dutch stock left Holland, they were care- 
fully examined by competent surgeons, well acquainted with the 
national disease pleuro-pneumonia, and a clean bill of health was 
rendered. It was also ascertained that the malady was not then 
prevailing in the localities where the animals were purchased; 
hence it manifested itself in the manner here described. The 
same is true as regards its introduction into the Cape of Good 
Hope. The animal was in perfect health on leaving Holland, 
but on arriving at the place of destination manifested the disease, 
and communicated it to others. 



RINDERPEST, OR CONTAGIOUS PLEUROPNEUMONIA. 427 

The history of the disease in South Africa is quite interesting j 
hence I introduce the following testimony, as given before a com- 
mittee of the Legislature of Massachusetts, by Rev. D. Lindley, 
lately a missionary in South Africa. He said : 

" The disease, whatever be its name, and it has different names, 
was introduced into South Africa a few years ago. It was intro- 
duced from Holland, imported in the body of a bull. A gentle- 
man in Cape Town, wishing to improve his stock, made that 
importation, and with it that disease which has been to South 
Africa the severest scourge that has ever fallen on its property 
interest. It was about six weeks after the animal landed (he 
having been on board the vessel on the passage about two months) 
before any sign of sickness appeared in him. At the time, it was 
not suspected that the disease was the lung contagion, so long 
known in Holland. However, he died. He communicated that 
disease to a considerable number of cattle, and before the people 
became aware of the evil that threatened them, it had scattered 
about them very extensively. 

" The question may arise in the mind of the committee, Why 
was it not at once exterminated there, as you propose to have it 
here ? The answer to this question will be found in this statement 
that I must make, in order that you may understand the circum- 
stances of that country. You will imagine New England, and a 
great part of the United States, divested of its woods, its forests, 
leaving, here and there, thickets and j ungles, and a grass country 
that is without fences or any inclosures, and all this country spread 
over with cattle by the thousand (for the property of the inhabit- 
ants of the country consists in cattle and in sheep). I have seen 
1,600 in one herd, but generally the herds are from one hundred 
to five hundred. In those parts of the country where the lions 
and tigers have been exterminated, these cattle are allowed to roam, 
night and day, where they please, and they wander considerable 
distances, sometimes miles around. In addition to that, all the 
produce of the country that is brought to market, whether to supply 
the city of Cape Town or Port Elizabeth, or other towns lying 
along the coast, is brought down from the interior in large wagons, 
drawn by oxen. All the goods imported into the country and 
taken inland are conveyed on these wagons, drawn by oxen ; and 
to each wagon the custom of the country gives six pairs of oxen. 



428 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

The country is large, it being from Cape Town to the extremity 
of any civilization in the interior, twelve hundred miles, and across 
the plains to where I live, twelve hundred miles more. Well, this 
country is passed through, up and down, crosswise, and backward 
and forward, by hundreds of wagons and thousands of cattle every 
day. They have no railroads, no rivers — no other way of trans- 
porting goods from one point to another but this ox-wagon. Well, 
they are great sheep-raisers in this country, having five to ten 
thousand sheep in a flock, and I have seen as many as fourteen 
thousand in one flock. Their clips of wool are all sent down in 
these wagons to the coast. 

" In a country of this kind, where there are so many cattle, and 
where every thing is done by means of cattle, and they are trav- 
eling night and day, there is no possibility of killing out this dis- 
ease by extirpation. The seed had been so widely disseminated 
before the people knew what the matter was, that such a system 
was looked upon as hopeless, and the Government adopted no 
measures to stay it, and every man was left to look out for his own 
interests. I will say that, after it had got fairly spread abroad 
to a considerable extent, the inhabitants very generally resorted to 
inoculation ; and I will say, in passing, that we are indebted to 
that for about all the cattle we have left. We should have been 
flat on the ground, and no man could have got to the coast with 
his products or returned with his merchandise. Inoculation has 
saved us what we have, after six years. The disease was still at 
work when I came away, but it was more under subjection. It 
has killed hundreds and thousands of cattle, and I can assure 
you, gentlemen, that where it has come into a flock it has not 
left more than five out of a hundred. I was happily surprised 
when I heard Dr. Loring state that in the past year, in this State, 
not more than twenty per cent, had died. 

" With us, when an animal is known as having the disease, we 
look upon it as already dead; and I can affirm, without hesita- 
tion, that where it has got into a herd of cattle, not more than 
five out of a hundred have been spared. Occasionally one has 
passed through, and has not had the disease at all ; and a few, on 
the other hand — two or three in a hundred — have recovered, and 
no more. I know of one man who had five hundred head of 
cattle. The disease got in among them, and, finally, he had but 
five left. If I speak with emphasis, it is because I have had sad 



RINDERPEST, OR CONTAGIOUS PLEUROPNEUMONIA. 429 

experience; and I have been afraid that the good citizens of Mas- 
sachusetts might not be aware of the evil that I do most firmly 
believe threatens their property interest more than any thing that 
ever threatened it yet. 

" The disease has spread in every direction from Holland, and 
by contagion. I will give you facts on this matter of contagion. 
"Well-meaning men — men of science, and who hold high and in- 
fluential stations — said it was not contagious ; that it was impos- 
sible for a lung disease to be contagious, and, through their influ- 
ence, some herds suffered that might, to my certain knowledge, 
have been saved. One of the commissioners appointed was a 
man of some science, and he said, 'Poh! poh! it can not be 
contageous/ and the cattle were left, and the consequence is, it 
has spread over all the country around them. 

" I will tell you how the disease came to my particular neighbor- 
hood. A native went out as a peddler, over the Cathumba Mount- 
ains, into the interior, nearly three hundred miles. There he 
took cattle in payment for goods. He brought down a herd of 
oxen to the eastern coast. While on the way down, some of his 
oxen became sick, and he quietly put them out of the way; for 
he could travel one or two days, perhaps, and not see a single 
person, and the dead cattle were not likely to attract attention. 
He had that failing which we can pardon in others, as we see it in 
ourselves, that he cared a little more for himself than he did for 
his neighbors. He put the sick oxen out of the way, and brought 
down the rest and sold them. They were bought by a gentleman 
who had about one hundred and twenty oxen. The peddler's 
cattle, looking apparently well, were put into that herd. Pres- 
ently the disease broke out. It was in that instance that this 
doctor had the influence to prevent the slaughter of that herd, be- 
cause he said the affection was not contagious. These cattle were 
running about in the neighborhood — out on the plain twenty 
miles square, without fence and without tree, save here and there 
a bush — where were grazing thousands of cattle, and they ran 
just where they pleased. From this flock the contagion was 
communicated to all the cattle in the region. Oxen were travel- 
ing through the country every day (at least a hundred passing in 
a day), and in that way it was carried widely through the country. 
Until it was brought from a contaminated region in the interior 
by these oxen, the disease had never been within three hundred 



430 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

miles of us. I might give a thousand facts just equal to this, 
but I am mentioning what occurred in my neighborhood. 

" The disease had not crossed to the northward, to the Ungani 
River, until this happened : A man wished to convey a boat from 
Port Natal to a place about sixty miles to the northward. He 
put the boat on a wagon, and took his six yoke of oxen to draw it. 
He traveled one day, and camped just outside of a village through 
which he had passed. In the morning he found one of his oxen 
sick. He had camped on a piece of ground where cattle grazed 
every day, and in a place where the people had thought them- 
selves safe. Finding his ox sick, he quietly took him and his 
mate out of the wagon, and, leaving them there, started on. 
These oxen remained through the day, and mixed with the many 
cattle owned in that village. The second day after they had been 
there, it was discovered that there was a sick ox in the field. The 
inhabitants were all out at once. They killed the ox, and, from 
the description, they saw that he had the disease they had dreaded. 
They immediately inoculated their cattle, and saved a goodly 
number of them. Now, in regard to that, I wish to make this 
statement. I made a statement which was honestly reported, I 
suppose, but mistakenly as a statement, that they had saved ninety 
per cent. ; in some instances not more than thirty per cent. Be- 
tween this and ninety is probably the average percentage saved. 
In this case, I mentioned that there was a clear, distinct instance 
where the sickness had been brought from the interior three hun- 
dred miles, and in the last case it was carried twenty miles. In 
another instance, two natives were trading, and brought the dis- 
ease from the country where they went, two hundred miles, and 
set it down in a perfectly healthy region, in a herd of about eighty 
cattle, and there it spread, and they were every one carried off. 

" Another fact, and one with which I had to do myself. A na- 
tive, a stupid heathen, was working for an Englishman in an 
infected region. He took his pay in cattle — two calves, I think, 
a year or a year and a half old. He carried them into a healthy 
district, where the disease had been kept out, and within twenty 
miles of which it was not known. Presently these calves fell 
sick and died, and the cattle with which th'ey were placed began 
to be sick. I had in my service a young man belonging to that 
village, which was twelve miles from where I lived. A messenger 
came to this young man to say, ' Your cattle are sick.' When I 



RINDERPEST, OR CONTAGIOUS PLEUROPNEUMONIA. 431 

heard that, I began to inquire if any cattle had been brought from 
within the infected region to his kraal. They said such an one 
(meaning the native before mentioned) had been working with a 
man, and taken two head of cattle for his pay. He came back, 
a little more than two months ago, with these cattle, and they 
took sick and died, and now our other cattle are sick. I saw at 
once what the matter was ; for I knew that the region where these 
two cattle were taken from was wholly contaminated. I said, 
( Your cattle will all die ; you ought to tell your neighbors to keep 
their cattle away from you.' I asked him, further, if his cattle 
had mixed with other cattle, and he said, ' There are three kraals 
that have mixed with ours ; so it was too late, and the result was, 
they all died. I told the young man whom I sent to go and warn 
the neighbors. He did so, and they took their cattle in the oppo- 
site direction to grass, and for two years before I came away not 
a single herd of the cattle around them had taken the disease. 
Just those that were exposed to the contagion, and no others, died. 
The neighbors' cattle continued in a state of perfect health for two 
years after those four herds (one hundred or one hundred and 
thirty head) had died, right out there in the heart of a healthy 
region, a region as large as a county. 

" I can not doubt that the disease was communicated by con- 
tagion, and that if the animals can be cut off, the disease will be 
kept off. It was kept off in the region in which I lived in this 
way. The chief with whom I have lived occupies a considerable 
extent of territory, and he is fortunately fortified on one side by 
a range of mountains, and on the other by a precipice some hun- 
dred feet in height. He had assembled his tribe for another pur- 
pose, and, wanting my advice in reference to some political diffi- 
culties, he sent a messenger to tell me of his trouble. I went to 
him, and, after that matter was settled, I took occasion to tell him 
that the sickness was within some forty miles of us. I told him 
what the disease had done and would do, and I said to him, 
'There is just one thing to do, and that is, to keep your cattle 
where they are, and not allow any to go out or come in.' The 
people there love their cattle, as they say, better than they love 
their lives. They took the alarm, and every effort that was made, 
on the part of any one, to bring cattle into the country was im- 
mediately and stoutly resisted. The intruder was met with spear 
and shield, and threatened with death and destruction to himself 



432 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

and his cattle if he came a step further, and so was made to go 
back. Only half a mile off, within sight of these cattle, dead 
animals were lying unburied that had been exposed to this con- 
tagion. The disease was brought there by the oxen of an indi- 
vidual who had been into the interior, and when he came home 
his oxen died. They communicated the disease to all the cattle 
in that neighborhood, and I never saw more complete destruction. 
There was not a single head left in all those kraals. Those cattle 
came up to within half a mile of our boundary, and you could 
look down and see herds of them lying dead. That was three 
years ago, and yet, when I came away, the disease had not got 
one inch over that line. 

" These are facts that I have seen and know ; and in that coun- 
try, if you should ask us, ' Is the disease communicated by con- 
tagion?' we would say ' Yes,' and we should just as soon doubt 
that the sun made daylight. There are thousands upon thou- 
sands of facts to prove it. We have no more questions to ask on 
that subject. You will see how widely the disease might spread 
in a country like that, where cattle are so abundant, where the 
travel is continued day and night, and where thousands of oxen 
are on the road every twenty-four hours. It has been to that 
country a great scourge. Thousands and hundreds of thousands 
of cattle have died, and many of the people have been made poor 
by the ravages of the disease, and the only hope they have of 
securing a comfortable subsistence, and recovering a comfortable 
position in respect to property, is through sheep. They have 
given up all idea of grazing cattle, and are now turning their at- 
tention to sheep; for the disease is so widely spread, that they 
have no hope that it will ever be exterminated. 

" I do not know that I have any thing further to state. I might 
repeat hundreds and hundreds of facts of precisely this character. 
If I have appeared earnest in my statements — somewhat as if I 
was making a speech, which is, perhaps, my profession — I hope 
you will not attribute it to any other motive than a wish to make 
you fear as I think you ought to fear. Massachusetts has enacted 
some glorious history, whereof you have famous monuments, and 
I hope that pluck will not be wanting now." 

From such evidence as the foregoing, there can not be any 
doubt regarding the contagious element of the disease. 



rinderpest, or contagious pleuropneumonia. 433 

The Cattle Plague in Kentucky. 

The Cattle Plague of Kentucky is known in Texas as " Texas 
Fever." There are, at the present time, about one hundred thou- 
sand head of cattle pastured along the eastern and north-eastern 
limits of the State of Louisiana, destined for the markets of the 
Mississippi. They are detained where they are by the statutes 
of neighboring States, which forbid their being driven through 
them before the 10th of November, the reason being a disease 
called the " Texas," or cattle fever, which prevails in the summer 
months, and is contagious. 

Some of these Texas cattle were brought into the State of Ken- 
tucky early in August, 1866, and shortly after the disease made 
its appearance, the details of which were communicated to the 
" Lexington Observer and Reporter " in the following letter : 

Scott County, Kt., September 1, 1866. 
Col. L. J. Bradford, President of Kentucky .State Agricultural Society: 

Dear Sir — This section of the country has been much disturbed, 
in the last few weeks, owing to a frightful disease which has made its 
appearance among the cattle, killing many, making some blind, and 
otherwise affecting a large number. There was no disease among the 
cattle of these interior counties prior to the introduction of a large 
lot from Texas by General R. Gano. It has been asserted, and be- 
lieved, for a long time, that the Texas cattle would propagate a pecu- 
liar and destructive disease. Missouri, in consequence, established a 
cattle quarantine, and, I believe, passed a prohibitory law ; hence, for 
some time, that State has not been visited with this fatal malady. 
Kentucky has it now, and there can be no doubt, in the minds of 
those who have been informed of the facts, that it was introduced by 
the Texas cattle. 

Reason. — My mother-in-law, Mrs. James K. Duke, who lives nine 
miles from Lexington and four from Georgetown, in this county, on 
one of the best and most beautiful farms in the State, on which no 
disease of any kind had ever occurred, took upon pasture, the 28th 
of June last, over three hundred of these Texas cattle. None of her 
own ran with them. They remained until the 3d of August, looked 
healthy, and grazed well. Within five or six days after they had been 
taken away, a lot of Kentucky cattle (a great many raised on the 
farm) were turned on the pasture which had been occupied by the 
Texas cattle. No danger was apprehended, but, within a week or ten 
28 



434 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

days, it was discovered that the disease had broken out among them. 
Attention was immediately given. All were removed from the pas- 
ture, and the sick separated from the well. Two or three died almost 
immediately. 

External Symptoms. — Dull, stupid, stiff; separation from the herd; 
drooping of the head; disinclination to eat; trembling, cramping, 
staggering, falling, and, in many cases (I do not know that there is 
an exception), compression of the jaws. Some are made perfectly 
blind — none on this farm, but on an adjoining oue, that of Mr. Charles 
Herndon, whose milch cows, calves, and a few steers were affected first 
in the eyes (some in one, some in both) ; and it was a week or ten 
days after the disease manifested itself in this way before these or 
others began to seriously sicken and die. 

Internal Symptoms, as far as Observed. — Blood, very black and 
thick ; heart, only slightly affected ; lungs, perfectly sound and healthy; 
the manifold, or second stomach, very much contracted, with the fecal 
matter, hard, dry, and compact; the paunch, or first stomach, almost 
empty, and with no apparent change ; bowels, contracted, nearly empty, 
and extremely costive; bladder, generally containing only a small 
quantity of thick, high-colored urine. In a few cases they discharge 
a considerable quantity of bloody urine. 

Up to the present time Mr. Herndon has lost eight or ten out of a 
lot of twenty-five or thirty ; Mrs. Duke, with a herd of seventy-five, 
has lost twenty. Another neighbor, Mr. James Kenney, where only 
Texas cattle remained, lost two. A gentleman near Oxford, Scott 
County, lost twelve ; another near Midway, Woodward County, lost 
sixteen, from turning on a pasture where the Texas cattle had been 
but one night and part of a day. Many others have died in the wake 
of these Texas cattle, yet it is a remarkable fact that the disease has 
broken out nowhere in a malignant form save where these imported 
cattle have been. On the farm of Mrs. Duke, her milch cows and 
calves, which were kept near the house, and in the central part of 
the place, and not allowed to mix with these foreign cattle, or run 
on the pasture where they had been, are and have been free from, 
the disease, and milk and butter used all the time. 

What is the Disease? — I think it is nothing less than the cattle 
plague, of which we have heard so much of late as raging with such 
terrible fatality in Europe. In England it is called the rinderpest; 
in Russia, cattle plague; in Mexico and Texas, the Spanish fever. 
The symptoms are very similar. In almost every case thus far it 
has proved fatal. The rindei-pest could not be worse. 

How is it Communicated? — Dr. J. Burden Sanderson, of England, 
discovered that the blood of the animal affected with cattle plague 



RINDERPEST, OR CONTAGIOUS PLEUROPNEUMONIA. 435 

contained the poison of the malady, so that serum obtained from it 
would give the disease by inoculation. Now, how did these Texas 
cattle communicate this disease, when they were apparently healthy ? 
Spanish fever is an endemic disease of Texas, and cattle have been 
for years dying with it, sometimes, in certain localities, prevailing as 
an epidemic. No disease, however, even in the form of epidemic, is 
always fatal; but I am sure, from the natural course of things, the 
discovery of Sanderson, and from facts herein given, that some of those 
Texas cattle had this disease in their systems, and brought it to 
Kentucky, so that the poison has inoculated our cattle and produced 
the disease from which they are now suffering. 

Our grasses seem to have had the effect to eliminate the poison 
through their kidneys, bowels, and, perhaps, through the lungs, which, 
being deposited on the pasture, was left ready for the first that fol- 
lowed after them. Our Kentucky cattle, of course, not being acclimated, 
are readily susceptible to the infection of the poison, and have suf- 
fered accordingly. The disease is entirely distinct from any we have 
ever had in the State before — attacks suddenly, affects singularly, 
and kills in almost every case. One who has ever seen a case can 
point out the cattle affected with it as soon as they begin to sicken. 

Thus far, Mrs. Duke has lost twenty out of twenty-six cases. On 
the 25th of August she commenced feeding green corn. Since that 
date only one has died — five getting well, and no others sickening. 
Every case, with the exception of blindness at Mr. Herndon's, one case 
of purging at Mr. Kenney's, and two of bloody urine, were affected 
precisely alike; so much so, that the description of one would answer 
for all, the symptoms being more uniform than in any epidemic I have 
ever seen or known. The fact that this disease has been brought here 
by Texas cattle I regard as perfectly certain, no such disease having 
ever appeared here prior to their coming into the State, and none 
occurring, so far as can be ascertained, save where they have been. 

It is well known that they introduced the same disease into Mis- 
souri for several consecutive years, and the State was only relieved 
of the pestilence by the Legislature passing prohibitory laws, making 
it a heavy penalty to bring a single one into the State. It is true 
they come here seemingly healthy, but may they not, as I suggested 
before, bring it in their systems, and. through the effect of grasses 
upon their bowels and kidneys, deposit the poison upon our pastures 
by their urine and dung? The theory that the disease is communi- 
cated through the feet, or by the ticks, I think fallacious, and will not 
discuss it. Their feet are healthy, smooth, and sound, and the ticks 
on them can be found almost anywhere in Kentucky. I have seen 
them often. 



436 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Prior to using the green corn, I am informed, by Dr. A. B. Duke, 
that salt and ashes, soda, sulphur, copperas, bleeding in the mouth, 
neck, ears, and tail were resorted to without any good effect ; but it 
is not conclusive that green corn will be of any material service. It 
was only an experiment, did good in a few cases on Mrs. Duke's farm, 
but has not yet checked the cases on Mr. Herndon's. It is impos- 
sible to give a remedy so soon. It requires much experience and ex- 
periment, and it would be well for farmers in Kentucky to look into 
the matter and prepare for it. 

An Agricultural College has been established near Lexington. 
Would it not be well to have Veterinary Surgery studied — in fact, 
have a special chair for that profession? Many young men will 
study it, and it is as important as any other. The diseases of cattle, 
horses, hogs, and sheep are as little known and understood in Ken- 
tucky as though stock never did suffer from disease. Kentucky has 
long been known and noted as a cattle or stock-breeding, raising, and 
feeding State. If she would maintain prominence, and protect her 
greatest interest, she must establish quarantines and pass laws shut- 
ting out this terrible pestilence from her borders, and prepare for 
the cure and relief of her fine stock. 

Most respectfully your obedient servant, 

G-. Clay Smith. 

'The following is my reply to the above : 

Chicago, III., September 13, 1866. 
G. Clay Smith, Esq.: 

Dear Sra — Through the kindness of R. W. Carroll & Co., of Cin- 
cinnati, I am in possession of an article, over your signature, having 
reference to the "Cattle Plague in Kentucky." I have carefully 
perused the article and compared the symptoms, as described, and 
find that the disease bears no analogy to the rinderpest in Europe, 
nor the pleuropneumonia of Holland, which was imported into Mas- 
sachusetts about six years ago, where I had ample opportunities of 
studying it, having been appointed by Governor Banks as surgeon to 
the commission appointed to extirpate the pest. 

The Texas bovine malady, just introduced in Kentucky, is peculiar 
to the breed of Texas. In that country the disease has acquired a 
home in the constitutions of animals bred and reared there. The 
disease lurks in the breed in a latent form, and, when circumstances 
are favorable for its development, it manifests itself, and becomes both 
contagious and infectious; and thus it spreads after the fashion of 
the rinderpest and other bovine epizootics. 



RINDERPEST, OR CONTAGIOUS PLEUROPNEUMONIA. 437 

Your suggestion in regard to establishing a special chair for Vet- 
erinary Science in the Agricultural College of Kentucky is a move 
in the right direction. The husbandmen of Kentucky have great in- 
terests at stake in the ownership of a vast number of some of the 
finest stock in the world. They are subject to most of the diseases 
that afflict the superior orders of creation, and the theory and prac- 
tice of veterinary medicine and surgery rests upon the same intelli- 
gent basis as that which obtains in human medicine. It makes no 
difference whether we prescribe for a man or an animal, the laws of 
the animal economy are the same ; each one is susceptible, and can 
be benefited by the same plan of treatment. Hence the need of vet- 
erinary schools of learning in the United States for the instruction 
of those who shall engage in the practice of our art. The science 
has been sadly neglected in this country, but a period has arrived 
when we must have educated men to prescribe for our flocks and 
herds. Humanity demands it — our own interests reiterate the de- 
mand. Thousands upon thousands of valuable animals die annually, 
prematurely and unnecessarily, in consequence of a want of knowl- 
edge of the nature of the disease and the modus operandi of medicine. 

I know of no better locality in the United States than Kentucky 
for the establishment of a rational system of teaching veterinary 
science at an Agricultural College ; and permit me, dear sir, to urge 
you to use your efforts for the above purpose. Such an undertaking, 
if successful (and I have no doubt of it), will reflect great credit on 
you, and finally crown your State with the laurel of veterinary fame. 
Yours respectfully, 

G. H. Dadd, V. S. 

Causes. — There is a great deal of doubt in regard to the manner 
in which infectious and contagious principles invade the economy, 
yet I think we shall not miss the mark in contending that it is 
chiefly through the medium of the lungs that they are introduced 
into the system ; and, finally, the pernicious substance is absorbed 
into the blood, which it, more or less, quickly vitiates, and thus 
occasions the subsequent symptoms. All contagious diseases differ 
from one another. Every one possesses its own peculiar powers, 
by which, when they have come into bodies favoring their action, 
through the proper channel of communication, they every one pro- 
create their own distinct form of disease by a constant and uniform 
law ; hence the contagion of rinderpest produces its specific effect 
on the system, spending its force principally on the respiratory 
organs. The virus of glanders will not produce any other dis- 



438 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

ease than glanders. The same remarks apply to rabies, scarlet 
fever, small pox, etc. ; so that the virus of Texas fever produces 
that disease and no other. The agents through which the virus 
is most readily concocted are animal emanations, or secretions, 
particularly the effluvia arising from the excretions of infected 
animals, and that arising from the carcasses of those that have 
died of the complaint. Hence, all that succumb to the same 
should be buried or burned. 

When a large number of animals are crowded together, and 
the disease makes its appearance, the looation may be designated 
as the center of infection. In that event they need more space, 
and must have it, or the disease will run riot among them; yet 
the cordon sanataire must be drawn around them, for, if fresh 
cattle come within breathing distance, the chances are that the 
malady will spread. 

Treatment. — In regard to the treatment of this malady I have 
but little to offer. Medicine has but little control over diseases 
of this character, yet I should recommend isolation, pure air, and 
a free use of chlorate of potass, hyposulphite of soda, sulphate of 
iron, and ginger. Take of 

No. 64. Powdered chlorate of potass 3 oz 

Powdered hyposulphite of soda 4 oz. 

Powdered sulphate of iron 2 oz. 

Powdered ginger 7 oz. 

Mix. 

• Dose, one ounce, morning and evening ; to be mixed each time 
in half a pint of flaxseed tea. 




SECTION XY. 

DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF RESPIRATION. 

Croup — Laryngitis — Bronchitis — Inflammation of the Lungs — Hoose or 
Common Catarrh — Epizootic Catarrh — Consumption — Pharyngitis (Sore 
Throat) — Pulmonary Apoplexy — Pleurisy, and Description of the 
Pleura. 

Croup. 

THIS disease is generally supposed to occur among young ani- 
mals, but Claude relates a case of false membranes in a 
nine-year old ox. Young calves are frequently attacked with 
"laryngitis," and very many die from obstruction in the air- 
passages. These, after death, are found to be occupied by semi- 
organized lymph. Such cases are known to veterinary surgeons 
as membraneous croup, and, in the latter stages of the disease, the 
false membranes are found to occupy the intestinal canal, as well 
as the air passages. 

Symptoms. — The animal is observed to be in imminent danger 
of suffocation ; there is some discharge of morbid matter from the 
nostrils, yet it is evident that the respiratory passages are fast 
filling up with the morbid secretion. The only chance of saving 
the animal is to perform the operation of tracheotomy; but this 
operation, in order to be successful, must be performed in the early 
stage of the disease, or when false membranes are confined above 
the point selected for the operation ; for when the obstruction 
exists at or about the lower end of the trachea, in the vicinity of 
the bronchial tubes, the case is hopeless. The only medicine of 
any value, in the early stage of this affection is 

No. 65. Glycerine 2 oz. 

Tincture of lobelia 2 dr. 

Water 2 oz. 

A second dose may be given at an interval of two hours. If 

(429) 



440 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

the patient does not improve, and the danger appears imminent, 
tracheotomy must be performed. 

Laryngitis. 

This disease often commences as an ordinary cold ; but soon the 
throat becomes husky, followed by prolonged sonorous respiration. 
The respiration soon becomes quickened, and, finally, the patient 
may die of suffocation. Laryngitis consists of an inflammatory 
affection of the submucous cellular membrane of the larynx, often 
ending in cedematous laryngitis. This is one of the most danger- 
ous of all diseases, for, after oedema has once set in, the animal is 
liable to die of asphyxia (loss of pulse) at any moment. 

Symptoms. — Commencing, as it often does, as an ordinary cold 
or sore throat, it has some symptoms in common with the latter. 
The animal protrudes the nose, so that the head, instead of being 
pendulous, is thrust forward, and he very rarely turns his head 
sideways. The region of the throat is usually tumefied and ten- 
der, and pressure on the larynx occasions great distress. These 
symptoms, associated with the alarming character of the breath- 
ing and livid appearance of the visible surfaces, will enable any 
one to determine the true nature of the disease. 

Treatment. — The first object is to endeavor to prevent effusion. 
In this view, I recommend that the patient be carefully drenched 
with the following: 

No. 66. Fluid Extract buchu 1 oz. 

Chlorate of potass 2 dr. 

Water 3 oz. 

Mix. 

At the end of three hours, repeat the dose. In the mean time 
bathe the jaws and throat with a strong infusion of lobelia ; then 
apply a cold-water bandage around the jaws and throat. The 
body and limbs should be well rubbed with a wisp of straw, so 
as to keep up an active circulation on the surface of the body. 
An enema, composed of soap and water, may be thrown into the 
rectum. Should the symptoms become more alarming, the serv- 
ices of a veterinary surgeon will be required, to perform the 
operation of tracheotomy, which consists in taking a circular piece 
of cartilage out of the trachea, and inserting therein a common 
tracheotomy tube. If the disease be confined to the parts above 



DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF RESPIRATION. 441 

the seat selected as the place of operation, the animal may yet be 
saved. When the disease passes into the chronic stage, we have 
a purulent discharge from the nostrils. This discharge may be 
modified by giving a few doses of the following : 

No. 67. Tincture of matico 2 oz. 

Syrup of garlic 8 oz. 

Sweet spirits of niter 2 oz. 

Mix. 

Dose, two ounces, morning and evening. The throat should 
be rubbed occasionally with a small quantity of tincture of blood- 
root or hot vinegar. It often happens that chronic laryngitis ends 
in thickening, or altered structure, of parts within and around the 
larynx. Should this be the case, the patient should be put on a 
course of iodine. Twenty grains per day of iodide of potassium 
may be given in a small quantity of water ; and the region of the 
throat should be anointed every night with the following oint- 
ment : * 

No. 68. Powdered iodide of potassium 2 dr. 

Simple ointment 2 oz. 

Mix. 

Description of the Larynx. — The larynx is seated at the upper 
part of the windpipe, to which it is joined. It occupies that part 
known as the throat, between the broadest part of the angles of 
the jaw. It is composed of several cartilages, which are under 
the control of the laryngial muscles. These cartilages are so con- 
trived as to be movable on each other, in various directions. 

The first cartilage is named thyroid, or shield-like. It forms 
the most extensive part of the larynx, and protects the other parts 
from external injury. 

The second cartilage is named cricoid, or ring-like cartilage. 
It overlaps the first ring of the trachea, or windpipe, in the form 
of a helmet. 

Thirdly, there are two ewer-shaped cartilages, termed arytenoid. 
They are found on the upper and back part of the trachea. They 
form a canal which leads to the glottis. 

The fourth cartilage is named epiglottis, in consequence of being 
situated upon and over the glottis. It is the door-keeper of the 
larynx, and every particle of food or drop of water which the ani- 
mal swallows must pass over it. If it fail to perform its function 



442 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

for a single moment, when the animal is either drinking or eating, 
death is sure to follow. But the ox is rather more favored in the 
mechanism of the epiglottis than the horse. The epiglottis of the 
horse is just adapted to the caliber of the glottis, he being a non- 
ruminant; but in the case of the ox, the rough, unmasticated 
particles of food have to be returned to the mouth for a second 
mastication. This would peril the life of the animal if he had no 
other protection than that found in the larynx of horses. The 
fact is, the epiglottis of cattle, instead of being confined to the 
caliber of the rim of the glottis, overlaps it, and this securely pro- 
tects the parts from the accidents which may occur in the process 
of remastication. 

The larynx is lined by a membrane very susceptible to irrita- 
tion. It is abundantly supplied with excretory glands and ori- 
fices, for the emission of a secretion peculiar to itself. 

Bronchitis. • 

Bronchitis is a disease of the bronchial mucous membrane. In 
its early stage, the term acute has been applied to it ; this having 
subsided, it assumes a chronic type. It is very rare that this is a 
primary affection, for it is generally preceded by cough or catarrh, 
or else is an accompaniment of an abnormal condition of contigu- 
ous tissues. Its existence may be demonstrated very readily by 
applying the ear to the trachea, in the region of the point of the 
breast-bone, the peculiar sound differing from that in any other 
part of the trachea, having what is termed a sibilant, or whistling 
sound. 

Treatment. — The treatment will be about the same as that 
recommended for common catarrh, with the addition of a counter- 
irritant to the sides of the chest. A little mustard and vinegar will 
answer the purpose. A bronchial difficulty, of a very alarming 
character, sometimes prevails as an epizootic, and this must be 
treated the same as epizootic catarrh. 

Description of the Bronchial Tubes. — The bronchial tubes are a 
continuation of the trachea. It having entered the thorax, becomes 
forked or bifurcated. They are constituted of several pieces, mak- 
ing up so many segments of the circle, overlapping each other so 
as to admit of extension and contraction in the respiratory acts. 
These are connected together and invested by an elastic cellular 



DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF RESPIRATION. 443 

substance, which imparts to them both strength and elasticity. A 
further subdivision of the bronchial tubes takes place as they pen- 
etrate the substance of the lungs, so that they become very numer- 
ous. As they proceed onward their caliber continually grows less, 
until they end in the extreme ramifications known as air-cells. 
The bronchial tubes are lined by a membrane common to the 
trachea. 

Inflammation of the Lungs. 

Inflammation of the lungs, known, also, as pneumonia, is not 
usually so prevalent among the bovine as it proves to be in the 
equine species, excepting, however, milch cows, located in unven- 
tilated milking establishments. In such locations diseases of the 
lungs are often fearfully prevalent, raging, at times, as an enzootic 
affection, which generally proves fatal when a large number of 
animals are confined in a small space. 

Among horses this disease is often occasioned by laborious work 
and feats of speed, which produce rapid and sometimes distressing 
respiration ; but among cattle, whose powers of speed and endur- 
ance are not often put to the test, we may reasonably infer that 
the exciting causes vary in their general character. 

The stimulating and morbid action of an impure atmosphere 
may produce this disease by first creating irritation on the lining 
membrane of the respiratory passages. It has also been noticed 
that this disease frequently appears among cattle that have been 
driven a long distance, and have also been compelled to go hungry 
and thirsty for many hours. Fprtunately for the poor brute, this 
disease is not so painful as bronchitis, pleurisy, and laryngitis; 
and, after having passed through the acute stage, it assumes a sort 
of mild, subacute, or chronic type, which, apparently, appears less 
dangerous than the acute kind ; yet, after all, is more so, as it is 
apt to terminate in altered structure, hepatization, induration, and 
tubercles. 

Pneumonia, now and then, terminates by metastasis ; that is, by 
translation of the formidable lung difficulty to one equally formi- 
dable, which locates in the feet, known to veterinarians as laminitis 
(fever in the feet). Among cattle, however, this termination is 
rather rare, yet very frequent among horses. When the disease 
does not take this course it often ends in " resolution," which sig- 
nifies a return to health, without leaving any perceivable evidence 



444 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

of altered structure ; so that, after awhile, the animal may become 
sound as ever. 

Pneumonia is divided into several forms or stages, but, as they 
all have reference to its degree or intensity, it seems unnecessary 
to refer to them. It may, however, be proper to inform the reader 
that pneumonia may exist either as a state of congestion or of in- 
flammation. Congestion signifies a distended or plethoric state 
of the blood-vessels of the parenchyma of the lungs, and slow 
motion of blood. Congestive pneumonia sometimes sets in as sud- 
denly as that which is termed " inflammatory," and among cattle 
the former is most prevalent. In the congestive stage the symp- 
toms are those of embarrassment, the blood courses through its 
channels sluggishly, and there is not the activity of heart and 
lungs which is perceivable in pneumonia. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms, in the early stage, are such as are 
generally observed at the commencement of any inflammatory 
affection ; namely, coldness of extremities and shivering fits ; loss 
of appetite ; labored respiration, quick pulse, slight cough ; mouth 
hot and clammy. The animal will not lie down, and refuses to 
move ; the head is extended, perhaps drooping, and the fore-legs 
stand wide apart. As the disease progresses these symptoms vary, 
and the appearance of the membrane of the mouth, nose, and eyes 
vary also, from the color of bright scarlet to that of a leaden hue. 
In the congestive stage, the pulse is more voluminous, yet less 
active, and the visible surfaces are highly congested. A cough, 
slight or active, as the case may be, is usually noticed ; it is a sort 
of deep-seated, half-suppressed cough, and sometimes is the first 
symptom which attracts the owner's attention to the ailing animal. 
. Treatment. — I have little faith in the heroic remedies so highly 
recommended by Youatt and others, and even by myself only a 
few years ago. I now have more faith in Nature and in regi- 
menal means, and find that more cases are cured in this way than 
by the old method. It is very important, at the commencement 
of the treatment, that the patient shall be placed in a clean, com- 
fortable location, where pure air abounds; for, under such circum- 
stances, the condition favorable to the operation of Nature in the 
cure of the malady are secured. Should the animal labor under 
accelerated respiration and full, strong pulse, I should administer 
one ounce of powdered niter in a quart of cold water ; after which, 
four ounces of the liquor acetate of ammonia may be given, every 



DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF RESPIRATION. 445 

four hours. This agent, also, should have a quart of cold water 
added to it at every dose. The brisket and sides may be rubbed 
with a portion of the following : Powdered mustard and strong vin- 
egar, enough of each to form a thin paste. When mixed, a small 
quantity of oil of cedar may be added. This application should 
be repeated two or three times in the course of twenty-four hours. 
Nauseants are next administered, in view of relaxing capillary and 
muscular constrictions, and this is desirable, as such conditions 
tend to equalize the circulation of ftie blood, and prevent an undue 
quantity accumulating in the pulmonary organs. 

In cattle practice, having had a case of this character under 
treatment, I prefer to administer the nauseating remedies by the 
anus; hence, a couple of quarts of infusion of lobelia may occa- 
sionally be thrown into the rectum. Considerable of the active 
principle of lobelia will be absorbed within this gut, and, under 
the circumstances, it is much better to introduce the medicine 
into the system in this way than by the stomach. The propor- 
tions of the lobelia to the water are — 

No. 69. Lobelia (herb) 2 oz. 

Boiling water 2 qt. 

When cool, strain, and it is fit for use. 

It may be necessary to give a dose of medicine ; if so, I should 
use the following : 

No. 70. Glauber salts 12 oz. 

Ginger 1 dr. 

Warm water 1 qt. 

It should be known to all husbandmen that a disease of this 
character, located in such important organs as those of respiration, 
is very prostrating, and operates very unfavorably on the inher- 
ent vitality of parts ; hence, so soon as the activity of the mor- 
bid phenomena is somewhat subdued, all active medication should 
cease. 

The affection is likely to continue for some days, and all we 
have to do is to try to keep the patient alive while the disease is 
running its course. Careful nursing, pure air, and light diet are 
the remedies. After the first twenty-four hours, I pay little at- 
tention to the pulse, but more to the patient, for I can conceive 
of but two conditions in this disease. One I call acute, the other 
chronic. The very moment the acute condition subsides, it merges 



446 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

into the chronic, and requires life-sustaining agents. After the first 
twenty-four hours, I generally resort to the following medicine: 

No. 71. Glycerine 8 oz. 

Powdered bloodroot 4 dr. 

Powdered golden seal 1 oz. 

Water 4 oz. 

Mix. 

Dose, one table-spoonful, to be smeared on the tongue night 
and morning. t 

Management of the Patient while under Treatment. — As I have 
already intimated, a full supply of pure air must be insured ; for 
a practitioner would be more likely to save an animal in the open 
air (provided the weather was not too cold or tenrpestuous) than 
in the unventilated cow-house. Should the limbs at any time be 
cold, they are to be hand-rubbed and bandaged ; the body being 
in the same condition, must also be clothed. I should also give 
the chilled patient some warm ginger-tea, or any other non-alco- 
holic stimulant or carminative, in view of arousing the action of 
the heart and capillaries, by which means the red arterial and 
life-sustaining blood would be forced to the external surface and 
extremities, imparting to them a genial warmth, and thus insur- 
ing an equilibrium of the circulating fluid. The patient should 
be furnished constantly with a bucket of pure, cold water. When 
morbid thirst prevails, the water must be acidulated with either 
lemon-juice, cream of tartar, or acetic acid. Any symptoms of 
debility or lassitude are to be opposed by a few doses of some veg- 
etable tonic. Tincture of golden seal, or tincture of matico, in 
ounce doses, every twelve hours, are the best remedies that I am 
acquainted with. 

My experience in the treatment of this formidable disease is, 
that in ninety-nine cases out of one hundred, the patient dies of 
a meddlesome medicinal disease ; in fact, he dies secundem artem. 
In view of furnishing a logical argument to support this theory, 
I refer the reader to Youatt, Percivall, and others of the or- 
thodox stamp, (very learned men,) who are apt to place too much 
confidence in art, to the exclusion of Nature. 

It is my opinion, after many years study and practice, that dis- 
eases are not cured by art; but art may so modify the diseased 
condition that the recuperative powers of the system can thereby 
induce salutary changes, without which they can not so readily be 



DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF RESPIRATION. 447 

effected. Thus art, when understanding^ applied, may be said 
to aid Nature in the cure of disease. 



Hoose, or Common Catarrh. 

Cattle, as well as horses, are subject to a catarrhal affection, 
known among English farmers as " hoose." This consists of a 
defluxion from the nasal cavity, accompanied with cough, loss of 
appetite, and loss of flesh. In popular language, it is nothing 
more than a common cold, induced by the ordinary causes, such 
as exposure, errors in diet, and management. It generally ap- 
pears during spring, or toward the latter part of autumn, when 
the temperature of the atmosphere undergoes the most sudden 
changes; and it generally selects its subjects; for many animals, 
subjected to the ordinary causes of cold, enjoy immunity from the 
same; hence, I infer that a predisposition to this affection is 
hereditary, and manifests itself at periodical intervals, without 
the intervention of the common exciting causes, although they 
may prove operative in developing a latent disease. 

I conceive that it sometimes has an hereditary origin, from the 
fact that some breeds are more subject to it than others. In some 
cases, however, this hereditariness exists only so far as the animal 
is of a peculiar temperament, so that, when removed from a warm 
to a colder region, it is apt to contract catarrh. This is the case 
with many of the Alderney breed of cows imported into the 
northern region of the United States. Ere they have been here 
long, they have an attack of catarrh, which often runs into the 
chronic stage, and ends in consumption. 

Symptoms. — The first symptom which the farrier will observe, 
is loss of appetite. Succeeding this are febrile symptoms, such 
as quick pulse and respiration, heaving at the flanks, dry muzzle, 
glairy discharge from the nostrils, reddening of the visible sur- 
faces. The limbs are generally colder than usual, and the hair 
loses its glossiness and appears roughened. The animal will occa- 
sionally snort and discharge more or less of glairy mucus, and 
some soreness of throat may be observed. Such are the early and 
most noticeable symptoms of this disease ; and this is the most 
proper period for the animal to receive attention, in order to pre- 
vent the malady running into the chronic form ; for, should it do 
so, ten chances to one if the case is not called " horn-ail," and 



448 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

thus the poor animal has to submit to a routine of barbarisms, 
such as boring horns, letting daylight, pepper, and turpentine into 
the frontal sinuses, much to the annoyance of a sick brute, and 
very significant of the ignorance of the itinerant cattle-slayer. 

Treatment. — The treatment depends somewhat on the condition 
of the patient, as regards the preponderance of fever or debility. 
A high-fed animal, abounding in morbific material, and neces- 
sarily of a febrile diathesis, must have aperients. Eight ounces 
of Glauber salts, dissolved in warm water, and sweetened with 
molasses, may, without the least danger, be administered, followed 
by a liberal supply of warm, sloppy, bran-mashes ; and, should 
the pulse be voluminous and excessively active, thirty grains of 
powdered niter may be added to the above, which, in all proba- 
bility, will reduce the action of the heart. In the mean time, we 
keep the patient quiet. Withhold all fat and muscle-making food, 
and allow the patient to breathe a pure and cool atmosphere; for 
a cool atmosphere is, perhaps, a better sedative than niter, and 
certainly more requisite; and, after the medicine shall have had 
time to traverse a portion of the intestinal surface, say a lapse of 
five or six hours, an enema of Glauber salts may be given, in the 
proportion of half a pound to half a gallon of water. 

In the early stage, and having a plethoric subject under treat- 
ment, it may, by some persons, be considered necessary to resort 
to the fleam ; and some highly-educated physicians decide this to 
be the best course. There may be cases, occurring in pampered 
and stable-fed animals, which demand a prompt use of the above 
instrument ; but the author has never seen a case of catarrh which, 
in his judgment, demanded the abstraction of blood. Bleed by 
the bowels, if there be need of depletion. This is my doctrine. 
Catarrh, whether it be simple or epidemic, in one feature re- 
sembles influenza occurring among horses. It is a prostrating 
disease, inducing debility. However, I have no desire to force my 
opinions on any man. Try sanitive medicines; if they have not 
the desired effect, the judicious practitioner has no other remedy. 

We have now only to keep the patient alive while the disease 
is running its course, and this is accomplished by means of "good 
nursing." There are a great many remedies that might be recom- 
mended, in view of hastening convalescence, but " good nursing " 
supplants the whole. A sore throat may accompany the malady, 
and, if so, I recommend the following : 



DISEASES OP THE ORGANS OF RESPIRATION. 449 

No. 72. Olive oil 6 oz. 

Oil of cedar 1 oz. 

Spirit of ammonia ^ oz. 

Tincture of capsicum 1 oz. 

Mix. 

Apply a portion to the throat twice daily. 

In order to promote a discharge from the nasal outlets, we 
resort to vapor, which may be generated by dropping water or 
vinegar on a hot brick ; and to insure the full effect of the same, 
I envelop the head with a cloth or blanket, so as to direct the 
current of vapor through the nasal passages. In view of pro- 
moting a nasal discharge, a small quantity of bayberry bark (pul- 
verized) may occasionally be blown up the nostrils, from a quill 
or a hollow tube of paper. The after-treatment will depend upon 
the observable symptoms. While a febrile diathesis continues, 
we depend on sedatives and aperients. In the chronic stage, tonics 
and alteratives are indicated, and must be resorted to, in view of 
warding off a chronic cough and its consequences. 



Epizootic Catarrh. 

Epizootic catarrh is infectious, yet animals having once had an 
attack of the same may enjoy immunity from it thereafter. It 
usually appears and spreads over various parts of the country 
when great variations in the weather are noticed. It generally 
appears in the spring, and disappears when the weather becomes 
warmer and more uniform. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms of epizootic catarrh, in the early 
stage, do not differ materially from those alluded to in the pre- 
ceding article (common catarrh). In a very short time, however, 
the animal begins to grow very weak, and becomes debilitated. 
Tumors form in various parts of the body, emitting, when pressed, 
a crackling sound ; the glands in the region of the throat are en- 
larged; the neck, stiff; the odor from the breath and feces is 
very offensive; the animal loses flesh very fast, and, unless re- 
lieved, will surely die. 

Causes. — The direct causes of this, like that of any other epi- 
zootic and endemic affection, are involved in obscurity. Specu- 
lation is rife as regards the causes of cholera and the potato rot, 
which probably have analogous origins, but it is very difficult, if 
29 



450 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

not impossible, at the present time, to define the precise character 
of the morbid germ which, "like a little leaven," leavens the 
whole body. 

Treatment. — The principal objects in the treatment of this mal- 
ady are to sustain the vital powers, and thus guard against the 
subsequent prostration and decomposition which, under the ortho- 
dox treatment, is sure to occur. The proper mode of treatment 
is to drench the animal with the following : 

No. 73. Tincture of matico 1 oz. 

Hyposulphite of soda 6 dr. 

Powdered golden seal 2 dr. 

Warm water 1 pint. 

Having administered the above medicine, anoint the throat and 
all tumefied parts with a portion of the following counter-irritant: 

No. 74. Oil of cedar 1 oz. 

Oil of sassafras \ oz. 

Cod-liver oil 6 oz. 

Mix. 

Apply by means of a small piece of sponge. Should the breath 
become fetid, and the odor from the evacuations almost intoler- 
able, as is often the case, very powerful antiseptics will be needed, 
to arrest the morbid fermentation. The most efficient and valu- 
able article for this purpose is pyroligneous acid. A couple of 
ounces of the same may be given in a quart of oatmeal gruel, 
every four hours, until the odor is exterminated. The diet should 
consist of well-salted, scalded shorts, sliced carrots, and parsnips. 
In the absence of rumination, give a drachm of powdered golden 
seal and half a drachm of carbonate of soda, twice in twenty- 
four hours. 

Consumption. 

This disease, as it appears among cattle, is supposed to be the 
sequel of other diseases of the respiratory apparatus, and some 
writers contend that phthisis is the termination of chronic disease 
of the lungs, characterized by the formation of tubercles within 
the substance of the lungs. 

Symptoms. — The most notable symptoms are emaciation, debil- 
ity, cough, fever, and purulent expectoration. Expectoration, 
however, is a feature of this disease, more marked in the human 
subject than among horses and cattle ; yet, in the last stages, we 



DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF RESPIRATION. 451 

occasionally observe nasal discharges of a purulent character. In 
diagnosing this disease, it is necessary to make ourselves acquainted 
with the history of the case, and the physical conformation of the 
animal; for, if the patient be the subject of neglected catarrh, 
bronchitis, or any other pulmonic or pleuritic difficulty, we have 
the data for an intelligent diagnosis ; provided the physical con- 
formation corresponds to that which physiologists regard as sus- 
ceptible of phthisis ; namely, a lean, lank organization, associated 
with an active, nervous temperament. 

Referring to Percivall for evidence on the subject now under 
consideration, I find that he considers a colt having long legs, 
overgrowth, narrow chest, flat sides, pot belly, and an appearance 
of weakness and unthrivingness, a capital subject for phthisis. A 
cough occurring in such an animal, of a feeble, painful, hoarse, 
rattling, or gurgling character, shows conclusively that disorgan- 
ization of the lungs has commenced. The cough will also be ac- 
companied by a sound which gives us an idea that it is deep- 
seated. 

Causes. — Aside from the well-known direct hereditary causes 
which are known to exist in breed, there are others operating 
insidiously to produce disease and altered structure in the lungs. 
The climate may be prejudicial. I have known this disease to 
make its appearance among cows unsuited to our New England 
climate — the Alderneys, for example. On the other hand, if cows 
be removed from a warm, comfortable location, or barn, to a region 
involving a material difference in temperature, a derangement of 
the respiratory system is very apt to occur. It may appear at 
first under the guise of a simple bronchial affection, which insidi- 
ously steals on until the substance of the lungs is affected. Ani- 
mals shut up in close and hot stables, where they can not obtain 
sufficient oxygen to vitalize or decarbonize the blood, are apt, 
after a short time, to die of tuberculated lungs ; or, perhaps, a 
worse form of disease, known as infectious pleuro-pneumonia, 
soon terminates their wretched existence. Impure air is at all 
times operative in exciting pulmonary affections. The least de- 
viation from purity may occasion very serious difficulties ; there- 
fore, it should be the business of the farmer to see that his cattle 
have constantly an abundant supply of pure, uncontaminated air — 
the breath of life. 

Treatment. — In the first place, the patient must be removed to a 



452 DADDS VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

comfortably warm and well-ventilated barn. Should the weather 
be chilly, a blanket may be thrown over the body ; and it will be 
expedient, also, to clothe the limbs, up to the knees and hocks, 
with strips of flannel. By this means we promote cutaneous and 
subcutaneous circulation, and every drop of blood invited and 
maintained at the surface in the extreme vessels tends to prevent 
internal congestions. Without proper attention to these matters, 
we might as foolishly attempt to raise a dead cow to life. Next, 
the patient, whose appetite is almost sure to be impaired, should 
be fed on that kind of food which contains more carbon and nitro- 
gen than common hay ; namely, oatmeal. In case of a complete 
suspension of rumination (loss of cud), a due proportion per diem 
of oatmeal gruel, sweetened with some saccharine matter, may be 
administered from a bottle. Every morning the patient should 
have four ounces of the best cod-liver oil. This can be continued 
until its action is made manifest by purging. Every evening, 
give the patient a dose of the following : 

No. 75. Powdered phosphate of lime. 3 oz. 

Powdered bloodroot 1 oz. 

Powdered bayberry bark 4 dr. 

Powdered sassafras 2 oz. 

Divide the mixture into sixteen parts. The above is, according 
to my experience, the most rational method of treating this disease ; 
but the farmer must not feel disappointed if he fails in arresting 
it, for it frequently baffles the most consummate skill. 

Pharyngitis (Sore Throat). 

The term pharyngitis signifies inflammation of the membrane 
lining in the pharyngial inlet, or funnel-like entrance into the 
oesophagus, or gullet. 

Symptom. — The diagnostic symptom of this affection is as fol- 
lows : The subject is unable to swallow, and thus the food taken 
into the mouth is apt to be returned by the nostrils. This hap- 
pens occasionally, although the passage of the nasal inlet is much 
smaller than it is in the horse. On exploring the inferior region 
of the throat, from ear to ear, considerable swelling or tumefaction 
is encountered, yet the pharyngial muscles appear to be constricted. 
It generally appears among cattle as a simple local affection, yet 
it often accompanies other diseases of the respiratory character. 



DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF RESPIRATION. 453 

and whenever it does appear as a local malady, it is apt to merge 
into something else. It is a very distressing affection, and the 
animal gets but little relief until suppuration commences ; then a 
free discharge takes place. 

Treatment. — Let the animal's throat be rubbed twice daily with 

No. 76. Oil of cedar 1 oz. 

Cod-liver oil 6 oz. 

Spirits of ammonia 2 dr. 

Mix. 

Keep a sloppy bran-mash before the patient, or some flaxseed 
tea, into which stir a small quantity of powdered niter of liquorice. 
This will relieve the cough, if any be present, and tend to lessen ir- 
ritation of the lining membrane of the pharynx. When the patient 
begins to expectorate, or has the least discharge from the nose, give 

No. 77. Balsam of tolu 2 oz. 

Sweet spirits of niter 3 oz. 

Mucilage of gum arabic 8 oz. 

Mix. 

Dose, one wine-glassful, twice daily. 

Description of the pharynx. — The pharynx is the commencement 
of the tube known as the oesophagus, or " gullet." It is a funnel- 
shaped cavity, lodged between the mouth, gullet, and windpipe. 
The pharynx is composed of muscular and membraneous tissues. 
The most important muscles which enter into the composition of 
the pharynx are the constrictors. They give the membrane form- 
ing the funnel-shaped sac a complete covering, and their function 
is to force the food beyond the action of the tongue, into the oeso- 
phagus. The pharynx is divided from the mouth by the soft 
palate and the epiglottis ; therefore, except in the act of swallow- 
ing or coughing, there is no direct communication. The interior 
of the pharynx is lined by a membrane having within its structure 
a vast number of minute glands, with excretory ducts, from which 
a viscid or lubricating fluid issues. This lubricates the pellets of 
food, so that, by this process, their passage into the oesophagus is 
insured without the casuality of friction. 

Pulmonary Apoplexy. 

This disease occasionally appears among cattle in the Western 
States. It attacks animals irrespective of age, sex, or condition. 



454 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

It is generally sudden in its attacks, and death frequently ensues 
in the course of a few hours. 

Symptoms. — The pulse and respirations are very much acceler- 
ated, the former sometimes running as high as 110; an augmented 
salivary secretion is observed to run from the mouth; the tongue 
is much swollen; so, also, are the eyelids, and tears run down 
each side of the face; various parts of the body are swollen and 
congested ; the stomach is distended with gas, and the evacuations 
are profuse and watery. Post mortem examinations reveal a highly- 
congested state of the lungs ; in fact, they are engorged with blood, 
and the muscles in the region of the tumefied parts are in a similar 
engorged condition. 

Treatment. — No time should be lost in administering the follow- 
ing drench, for it will preserve the tissues against decomposition, 
and, perhaps, save the animal : 

No. 78. Pyroligneous acid 12 dr. 

Water 1 pint. 

Tincture of matico 1 oz. 

Repeat the dose after a lapse of six hours, and rub the tume- 
faction occasionally with 

No. 79. Oil of cedar 1 oz. 

Tincture of capsicum 2 oz. 

Tincture of bayberry bark 4 oz. 

Mix. 

It appears that in this disease there is a morbid impulse directed 
to various parts, which results in local accumulations, rendering 
the parts turgid. Then the blood is thrown out of the capillary 
vessels, and sometimes they suffer a rupture, which accounts for 
the engorgement and extravasation. 

As there is generally some effusion present in this malady, some 
good may be accomplished in acting slightly on the kidneys ; yet, 
as the pulse and respirations are both accelerated, the ordinary 
diuretic (sweet spirits of niter) is not admissible, for the simple 
reason that it is too stimulating ; therefore I recommend the use 
of common niter — half an ounce, every four hours, to be given in 
a little water. The tumefied tongue should be rubbed often with 
table salt. The animal does not require any kind of food until 
amendment takes place. The best drink for the patient is cold 
water, to which a little table salt may be added. 



DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF RESPIRATION. 455 

Pleurisy and Description of the Pleura. 

The delicate, transparent membrane which lines the cavity of 
the thorax, or chest, is duplicated as an external tunic on the 
lungs, and forms a partition called mediastinum, which divides the 
cavity of the chest into two equal parts, termed right and left 
cavities of the thorax. It is, therefore, a reflected membrane. 
That portion which gives a lining to the chest is termed pleura 
costalis, and that which invests the lungs is called pleura pulmo- 
nalis, although, at all points, they are precisely similar in structure 
and function. The pleura is called a serous membrane. It is 
dense, shining, and transparent ; its texture is penetrated by blood- 
vessels, nerves, absorbents, and exhalents. The minute ramifica- 
tions of the arteries give origin to a vast number of exhalents ; 
and these furnish a serous or watery vapor, which is distributed 
over every part of the pleura, and thus all friction and irritation 
is prevented. In the disease known as hydrothorax (dropsy of 
the chest), the effused fluid found in the cavity of the thorax comes 
from the exhalents. The absorbents play a very different part. 
Their function is to absorb or drink up any superabundant serum 
or blood that may be found in the chest. The functions of these 
vessels, however, are limited ; for when, in consequence of disease, 
augmented serous secretion takes place, the absorbents are unequal 
to the task imposed on them, consequently the subject of hydro- 
thorax often dies with his chest loaded with water. 

Symptoms. — This disease is generally ushered in like other febrile 
affections, by fever and trembling of the fore extremities. The 
cough accompanying pleurisy is painful, and the animal tries to 
suppress it as much as possible. The breathing is not laborious, 
but short, the intercostal muscles not admitting of their usual exten- 
sion and contraction without intense pain. The diaphragm has to 
perform the respiratory movement, without the aid of the former 
muscles. If slight pressure be made on the intercostal spaces, be- 
tween the ribs, the animal will evince symptoms of intense pain. 
If a person attempts to back the patient, the latter will moan or 
grunt, and be very unwilling to move. The patient stands with 
his fore-legs wide apart, and seldom, if ever, lies down. On ap- 
plying the ear to the sides of the chest, a slight sound, resembling 
that of friction, is discernible. This is probably occasioned by the 
presence of effused lymph on the pleural surfaces. The pulse is 



456 DADDS VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

generally quick, tense, and small. These are the principal symp- 
toms of pleurisy in its early stage. They will vary as the disease 
progresses, or become complicated. The minor symptoms, such 
as loss of cud, etc., are not worth noticing, as they are present in 
various other forms of disease. 

Treatment — Give two drachms of fluid extract of gelseminum 
every four hours. This acts as a powerful sedative, and will 
soon afford much relief. In the mean time, let a preparation of 
mustard and vinegar be applied to both sides of the chest and 
breast. The patient should now have one ounce of powdered 
chlorate of potass, dissolved in flaxseed tea or thin gruel. This 
may be given morning and evening. Should the animal refuse to 
drink it, give it as a drench, by adding to it one pint of water. In 
view of mitigating the cough which may be present, and of reliev- 
ing pain, the patient may be made to inhale an ounce or so of sul- 
phuric ether from a sponge, the latter being merely covered with 
a towel, except that part which comes in contact with the nostrils. 
It would not be proper to completely etherize the animal, but 
merely to stupefy him for a time. This will have an antispasmodic 
effect, and may be repeated, or not, at intervals of four hours, ac- 
cording to the nature of the effects produced. 

It will be proper to administer an occasional enema, and this 
should be of an antispasmodic character ; therefore an infusion of 
lobelia is recommended. The very moment the animal appears 
to be relieved of urgent symptoms, the treatment should not pro- 
ceed on the same principles. The intention should be to guard 
against debility and hydrothorax, two mortal enemies to the bovine 
species. Golden seal and buchu are the best remedies to prevent 
the one and guard against the consequences of the latter. They 
may be given in the following proportions : 

No. 80. Powdered golden seal 2 dr. 

Tincture of buchu 4 fluid dr. 

Hyposulphite of soda 3 dr. 

Water 1 pint. 

This quantity is sufficient for a period of twenty-four hours. 
The animal appearing much better will be the signal to discon- 
tinue all medical treatment. 



SECTION XYI. 

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 

Description of the GSsophaous — Foreign Bodies in the Gullet — CEsophagot- 
omy — Laceration of the Oesophagus — Aphtha — Description of Stomach — 
Rumination — Bloat — Distension of the Rumen with Food — Gastrointesti- 
nal Inflammation— Dentition of Cattle— Synopsis of Dentition — Suspended 
Rumination, or Loss of Cud — Inflammation of the Bowels — Invagination 
of Intestine — Diarrhea — Chronic Diarrhea— Gut Tie — Internal Rupture 
of Oxen — Flatulent Colic — Spasm of the Bowels — Constipation of Bowels. 

Description of the (Esophagus. 

THE oesophagus, or gullet, extends from the mouth to the 
stomach, and passes down the left side of the neck, outside 
of the windpipe, between the two first ribs, and then runs back- 
ward, along the upper part of the thorax, until it reaches the 
diaphragm. Having passed through the latter, it enters into the 
mechanism of the digestive canal. It is composed of three coats. 
The outer one is made up of cellular substance, and admits of 
much distension. The middle one is muscular, and composed of 
two layers, arranged spirally, and running in opposite directions ; 
that is to say, the fibers wind round the gullet, in contrary direc- 
tions. This allows or aids the food which has been masticated to 
pass down the tube into the first compartment of the stomach, 
viz., the paunch, and, by a reverse action of the other set of spiral 
muscular fibers, the pellet (cud) ascends into the mouth for re- 
mastication. The inner or third coat is similar in structure to 
the pharyngeal membrane, or that which lines the pharynx, yet 
it is so arranged as to admit of considerable distension. 

Foreign Bodies in the Gullet. 

When an animal attempts to swallow a substance too large for 
the caliber of the oesophagus, it becomes impacted in the same, and 

(457) 



458 DADDS VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

the creature is said to be choked. On examining the left side 
of the neck, the foreign body can be both seen and felt. When 
an accident of this character occurs, half a pint of olive oil should 
immediately be administered. This will lubricate the internal 
surface of the oesophagus, and aid us when attempting to force the 
impacted material toward the stomach. Before any attempts are 
made to introduce the probang, some efforts should be made to 
manipulate the obstruction, and thus force it downward. If it 
can be felt, yet can not be moved by external manipulation, there 
is very little chance for the animal ; yet we are not without re- 
source. The probang is our remedy. This is to be introduced 
through the mouth-piece into the oesophagus. Some slight degree 
of force may be used to push the obstruction downward. If that 
fail, no time should be lost in futile efforts, and an operation must 
be performed termed cesophagotomy. 

CESOPHAGOTOMY. 

This operation is performed as follows : — Place the animal in 
the trevis, or cast, and etherize him. Then make an incision over 
the region of the obstruction, through the skin and subcellular 
tissues. The oesophagus will then be seen. The only vessels in 
this location that are of any consequence are the jugular vein and 
common carotid artery ; but there is no danger of wounding them 
when the oesophagus is distended. The obstruction having been 
found, an incision is to be made through the coats of the gullet 
sufficiently large to admit of the extraction of the incarcerated 
body. So soon as this desirable object is effected, the edges of the 
gullet may be closed by sutures or stitches, one end of which 
should be cut off close to the knot, and the other left long enough 
to hang out of the external wound. The integuments are then to 
be brought together by another set of stitches, taking care to leave 
a small orifice at the lower part of the neck, for the escape of any 
morbid matter. The wound, with the exception of this orifice, 
should be well coated with collodion or liquid cuticle. For a few 
days after the operation, the patient should be kept on a light, 
sloppy diet, sufficiently seasoned with common salt to prevent fer- 
mentation. In the course of a fortnight the wound will be quite 
healed. 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 



459 



Laceeation of the (Esophagus. 

This accident very frequently occurs from the objectionable 
practice of attempting to force a foreign body, such as an apple, 
potato, or turnip, that the animal has greedily attempted to swal- 
low, down the oesophagus into a more dilated part of the digestive 
apparatus, by means of such rude instruments as a whip-stock or 
common stick, in lieu of a proper instrument, known as a probang. 
The operator sometimes succeeds in removing the obstruction, but 
soon a swelling is observed in the 
region of the neck. The animal 
evinces signs of pain, and symptoms 
of suffocation ensue. In such cases 
it is evident that the oesophagus is 
ruptured. The following, from the 
author's case-book, is introduced in 
view of showing the folly of forci- 
bly removing such obstructions : 

October 10, 1855. — Saw a cow, 
at Feltonville, the property of Mr. 
Welch and others. The animal 
had calved about ten days previous, 
and done well. Two days after 
parturition she was purchased by 
another man for the above party, 
and driven to her new home. On 
the way thither she picked up an 
apple and got choked. The apple 
was discovered in the upper half 
of the oesophagus. The attendant 
tried to manipulate it either one 
way or the other, but, failing in 
this, he procured a whip-stock, and 
forced the foreign body toward the 
rumen. This induced convulsions, 

and the subject threw herself violently down, with the whip-stock 
in her throat. This feat she repeated several times, to the immi- 
nent danger of limb and life. She shortly, however, recovered, 
and appeared to do well, and the next day, I believe, was received 
by the above firm. After a brief space, she appeared to be " ail- 




SECTION OF A COW'S STOMACH. 

Explanation.— 1, A portion of the oesopha- 
gus, or gullet ; 2, The terminating portion 
of the gullet ; 3 3, Lining membrane of the 
first compartment of the stomach ; 4 4, 
Portions of the lining membrane of the 
second compartment of the stomach, dis- 
sected and raised, so as to show the mus- 
cular mechanism beneath it; 5 5, The lips 
of the demi-canal, which are the bounda- 
ries of the groove. At the lower part is 
the entrance into the third compartment 
of the stomach, termed "many-plies." 



460 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

ing," and the owners, thinking the apple was the cause of the 
same, gave her a full dose of oil. Soon afterward inverted peri- 
staltic action took place, and, whenever she attempted to swallow 
fluids or solids, vomiting or regurgitation took place. This was 
her condition at the same time I saw her — ten days after the first 
attack. I prescribed alkalies and counter-irritation. Next day 
she appeared better ; that is, the vomiting had ceased. She was 
then drenched with Glauber salts and spearmint, and during the 
next day received several alkaline injections, and such other treat- 
ment as the urgency of the case seemed to require. Notwithstand- 
ing this, she died on the third day from my first visit. The owner, 
in accordance with my request, notified me of the death, and I made 
an autopsy. The heart, lungs, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, 
stomach, and bowels all appeared in a healthy state. They pre- 
sented, however, evidences of debility, in the condensation and 
pale aspect of their tissues. The omentum-caul was exceedingly 
dense, scarcely thicker than a piece of writing paper. Tracing 
the oesophagus internally from the mouth to its termination, or 
base, there were no symptoms of laceration or inflammation ; but 
in the dilated portion of the same, which is contiguous, and re- 
ceives food after primary mastication, I found a mass of juvenile 
corn-stalks, about the size of a man's fist, and twice the length of 
the same — seven inches. This part being considered as the ter- 
mination of the oesophagus, and commencing link of the stomach, 
was distended beyond its ordinary capacity, and in a high state of 
gangrene (mortification), and particles of corn-stalk were j)rotrud- 
ing through its disorganized and lacerated tissues. This accounts 
for the death ; but the reader will probably want to know some- 
thing about the cause, and may, possibly, say that the whip-stock 
was the exciting one. This would appear, on first thought, as a 
rational conclusion, because many valuable animals, both in this 
and the mother country (as records show) have been destroyed by 
lacerating the oesophagus with the above or some such instrument ; 
and we might reasonably assign the cause of death to the same, 
and thus terminate this article. But my readers, I opine, desire 
the truth, and nothing but the truth. I am satisfied that the 
whip-stock, however injurious it may have been in other cases 
(and it is in most cases an objectionable remedy), was inoperative 
in this ; that is, so far as the vitality of the animal was concerned. 
Now for the proof. The seat of the disease proved to be, by care- 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 461 

fill measurement, forty-three inches from the tip of the lips. The 
whip-stock was three feet six inches in length, and, according to 
the testimony of the operator and others, six or eight inches of the 
same never entered the mouth. Computing the medium at seven 
inches, the reader will perceive that the diseased location was just 
seven inches beyond the reach of the instrument. 

How, then, are we to account for the death of the animal ? I 
shall try to satisfy the reader on this point. The animal, at the 
time of purchase, had not recovered from the pain, labor, and ex- 
citement of parturition. She was an invalid ; in the same condi- 
tion, yet less well provided for than her lordly mistress, who has 
the advantages of science, skill, and sympathy to alleviate her 
woes and mitigate her pains. The poor brute was compelled to 
perform a journey when she ought to have been kept at rest, and 
kindly cared for. The common sympathies of our race ought to 
have been extended to her. She ought to have been dosed with 
groaning cordial, instead of corn-stalks ; and, instead of perform- 
ing a journey through apple orchards, she ought to have been kept 
at home until health and strength reappeared. 

Changes in food, location, and barn management, are, at times, 
and under certain circumstances, operative in inducing disease, 
especially when the subject be in a weak or delicate condition. 
Corn-stalks, therefore, being very indigestible, tend to overtax and 
irritate the stomach, and the oil, probably, induced nausea. In 
efforts at vomiting, the rough particles of food found a lodgment 
at the point indicated, where they accumulated, produced irrita- 
tion, inflammation, and, finally, mortification. The direct cause 
of death, therefore, was obstruction within the gullet ; the morbid 
appearances were the consequence of the same. 

The best instrument I know of for the accident of choking, or 
obstruction within the gullet, is a flexible probang ; but, as that 
instrument is not always to be obtained, every farmer should be 
provided with the next best instrument, which consists of a piece 
of smooth, flexible rattan, about five feet in length, armed at one 
end with an oblong ivory ball, which must be securely fastened. 
If much forffe be used, laceration of the oesophagus is apt to occur ; 
therefore, if the foreign body will not yield to gentle pressure, I 
should pour down a little olive oil, wait awhile, and then try the 
probang again. If, however, the foreign body can be detected, 
and the probang fails to remove it, we should immediately perform 



462 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

the operation of cesophagotomy, which consists of making an open- 
ing into the gullet large enough to remove the former, and then 
bringing the divided edges together again by means of sutures 
(stitches). 

Cases like the above (when the medical man is not called on 
until after the lapse of several days from the time of the accident) 
do not admit of the introduction of a probang. 

The following case, which occurred in the practice of "W. San- 
ders, student Royal Veterinary College, goes to show that an ani- 
mal should never be consigned to death until the skill of a qualified 
person proves unavailing : " In the month of March, a young 
Alderney cow became choked with a Swede turnip, which was found 
to be impacted about the termination of the third of the cervical 
portion of the oesophagus. The owner immediately sent for a 
person whom he had been in the habit of employing, but who, 
not having a proper probang, substituted a common ash stick. 
After some difficulty, the obstruction in this way was removed. 
In the course of a fortnight the neck was found much swollen, and 
the animal not only evinced a great deal of pain, but sometimes, 
as I was informed, appeared as though threatened with suffocation. 
It was supposed that the oesophagus must be ruptured, in conse- 
quence of, as it appeared, a considerable portion of food having 
protruded between the muscles of the neck, just anterior to the 
sternum. A small orifice was made through the skin, and a por- 
tion of the food (for food it proved to be) removed. The cow 
continued to get worse for several days, and putrefaction had ap- 
parently commenced. The attendant now advised the owner to 
have the cow slaughtered ; but, as her condition precluded the 
prospect of selling her advantageously, it was deemed expedient 
to risk the chances of recovery, especially as she was young and in 
calf. Under these circumstances, my brother, who resides in that 
locality, was consulted. On his arrival he gave but little hopes 
of recovery, seeing she was to so great a degree debilitated. A 
stimulant was administered, and an incision, about seven inches 
in length, was made in the most depending part of the swelling, 
through which more than a quarter of a peck of food was removed 
from between the muscles. The wound being now held open, and 
a candle placed in front, the rupture of the oesophagus became 
quite apparent. It proved full three inches in length. The 
wound was cleaned. A common side-saddle was placed upon her 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 463 

back, and fastened on with a girth in the usual manner ; a small- 
sized piece of ash-wood was shaved so as to render it pliable at 
one end. The large end was then tied to the crupper-loop of the 
saddle, and passed then between the pummels, which kept it in 
its place, and elevated it half way along the neck. The oesopha- 
gus at this part being rather deep-seated within the loose fleshy 
part of the dewlap, it was not convenient to pass sutures through 
the edges of the laceration. A pledget of tow, dipped in some 
digestive, was put into the wound, and pressed against the ruptured 
part. A pad of flannel was then placed over the outside, and a 
broad bandage, with some thin but flat pieces of wood sewn to it, 
to prevent its becoming too narrow. This was carried round and 
over the stick above the neck, which, being pliable, acted as a 
spring, that kept a moderate but equal pressure as she moved her 
head up and down. She was mainly supported upon gruel made • 
of barley and bean and wheat flour; but in addition, occasion- 
ally, was allowed a little green food. Tonics and stimulants 
were administered. Any food that accumulated in the wound was 
removed, and it was regularly dressed twice a day. Three weeks 
after she calved a live calf; but, from the weakness before partu- 
rition, she became so reduced as to require assistance to get up for 
a short time. I went home from college on the 6th of May. On 
the 8th I saw her myself. There was then a small circular open- 
ing, leading into the oesophagus, sufficiently large to admit the 
finger, which was prevented healing by the frequent escape of 
food. The edges of the wound were thickened, and apparently 
healed over. They were occasionally scarified, with the view of 
promoting cicatrization; for it was my opinion that, should the 
wound heal, it would leave a stricture in that part of the tube, and 
consequently render the animal susceptible of becoming again 
choked. The food continued to pass, more or less, through the 
opening until the beginning of June, when the wound became 
entirely closed. Since then she has become again in calf, and 
from that has continued to go on well ; nor has she ever, that I 
am aware, again shown any symptoms of choking, although she 
has taken her chance as to the nature of her food. She is still in 
the same person's possession ; cousequently I know, from the in- 
formation I have received, that she continues, up to the present 
time, apparently as well as ever she was; and it is now eight 
months since the wound healed over." 



464 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



Aphthae. 

This disease is commonly known as "thrush, or sore mouth. 
It appears as a vesicular eruption on the tongue, gums, and on the 
buccal and palatine membrane. When the disease is mild, and 
confined to the above parts, it is easily cured by daily applications 
of a portion of the following : 

No. 7. Powdered golden seal 2 oz. 

Tincture of matico 1 oz. 

Honey 4 oz. 

Mix. 

Apply by means of a swab or sponge. 

When the disease is violent and of long standing, it is apt to 
extend through the whole course of the alimentary canal, from the 
mouth to the anus. If this be the case, the animal will purge, as 
if a powerful cathartic had been administered, and will be other- 
wise unwell. The method of cure, in this event, is to prescribe 
tonics and astringents. The remedies are tincture of matico, 
golden seal, and sulphur, in the following proportions : 

No. 8. Tincture of matico 4 dr. 

Powdered golden seal 2 dr. 

Sulphur 2 dr. 

Water 1 pint. 

Mix. 

The patient's diet should consist of oatmeal gruel, slightly 
alkalized with hyposulphite of soda. 

The following article upon epizootic aphtha? is from the " Vet- 
erinarian :" 

" Epizootic aphthae, commonly known as foot and mouth com- 
plaint, is a febrile, very contagious, and panzootic affection ; that 
is, readily communicable from one species to another — met with in 
the horse, goat, pig, fowl, hare, etc., but most commonly in the 
ox and sheep, in which two last-mentioned animals it consists of 
vesicles breaking out on the mouth, gums, lips, teats, and around 
the coronary surface of the foot, between the skin and the hoof. 
It is an epizootic affection, spreading over large tracts of country, 
interfering very seriously with the capability of the ox to put on 
fat ' while preparing for the butcher,' and in the milch cow, ren- 
dering the supply of milk small, if not altogether suspending it. 
In this disease the ox exhibits the following symptoms : Suspen- 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 465 

sion of rumination ; constipation ; sometimes, though rarely, diar- 
rhea ; great flow of saliva from the mouth, and severe lameness. 
Milk taken from cows affected with this disease should never 
be drank, as it will most readily produce aphthae in man. To 
prove this fact, Professor Hertwig, together with two medical 
men, Mann and Vilion, drank the warm milk of an aphthous 
cow, and the result was that each became the subjects of severe 
inflammation of the throat, associated with*the vesicular eruptions 
mentioned above as indicative of this malady. Professor Simonds 
also gave the warm milk of an aphthous cow to pigs, with a simi- 
lar result." 

Description of the Stomach. 

The stomach of a ruminating animal presents a very complex 
arrangement, of which the purpose seems to be to favor the me- 
chanical reduction of the food, and its impregnation by the salivial 
and gastric fluids, before it is subjected to the action of the biliary 
and pancreatic juices. 

The stomach of an ox is divided into four parts or cavities, viz.: 
rumen, or paunch ; reticulum, manyplus, abomasum. 

The rumen, like the oesophagus, is composed of three coats. The 
internal one is studded with numerous papilla?, which incline in 
the direction that the food takes. They are erectile, and by inclin- 
ing in different directions, they can, to a certain extent, favor or 
oppose the passage of food. 

The openings into the rumen are two — one at the base of the 
oesophagus, through which the food and fluids pass ; the other is 
below this. It is much larger, and communicates with the second 
stomach. The paunch is not so highly organized as some other 
parts of the stomach. This compartment is capable of extraordi- 
nary distension, and, in some cases of tympanites, becomes so dis- 
tended as to produce suffocation by pressure on the diaphragm and 
lungs. 

The reticulum, or second stomach, sometimes called the honey- 
comb, presents a very irregular surface, consisting of open cells, 
varying in size and depth, looking very much like a piece of 
honeycomb on a large scale. There are two openings into this 
stomach — one through the floor of the gullet, the other into the 
paunch. The pellet of food to be returned for remastication is 
thrown into the cesophagean canal by the reticulum. 
30 



466 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

The manyplus, sometimes called manyplies or manyfolds, is 
made up internally of laminae, or leaves, which hang down from 
every part of it. By this arrangement an immense digestive sur- 
face is crowded into a small space. The cuticular covering of 
these leaves or laminae is very singular. It is thickly studded with 
eminences, varying in size and form. In some places they resemble 
little hooks, others look like papillae; some are soft, others are 
hard and durable, likfe horn. The function of the lamina? and 
papillae is to comminute and properly prepare the food ere it 
enters the fourth compartment. 

The abomasum is the true digestive stomach. Its function is to 
secrete the gastric juice; at least the gastric juice is secreted by 
small glandular bodies, having ducts which terminate on the 
villous membrane, which lines the abomasum. The lower orifice 
of this part of the stomach is termed pylorus. It is guarded by a 
projecting body, which answers the purpose of a sphincter muscle, 
to guard against regurgitation from the duodenum. 

Rumination, or Remastication and Ingestion of Food. 

The ox, a member of the group ruminantia, has four compart- 
ments in the stomach, yet two of them are nothing more than 
dilatations of the oesophagus. 

The food having been gathered by the lips, tongue, and teeth 
within the mouth, it undergoes a grinding process between the 
molars, and receives the admixture of salivial fluids secreted by 
the submaxillary, parotid, thyroid, and sublingual glands. It then 
passes down the oesophagus into the paunch. The character of the 
food, however, regulates its passage into the various compart- 
ments. If the pellet of food be solid, the paunch receives it ; if it 
be semi-fluids, it goes beyond the paunch to the second and per- 
haps third compartment. This is the case with a sucking calf. 
The milk, which forms its nutriment, requires no remastication, 
and, therefore, passes directly into the true digestive cavity — the 
fourth compartment. 

It appears, therefore, that the functions of digestion and remas- 
tication are involuntary, and are governed by the same sort of 
power which causes the heart to pulsate, expands the lungs, se- 
cretes the bile, pancreatic juice, etc., without the aid or consent 
of the animal. We may, however, to a certain extent, increase 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 467 

or decrease these functions, by artificial means ; but their primary 
operations are uncontrollable, simply because they are involun- 
tary. Some persons have doubted the fact of rumination, and if 
any of my readers be skeptical on this subject, let them satisfy 
themselves by experiment. The best subjects for demonstrating 
the acts of rumination are animals with lean necks. For exam- 
ple, let a person stand on the left side of the animal, in the region 
of the neck (supposing the latter to be in the ruminating mood). 
He perceives the cud re-ascend through the gullet, and re-descend 
again into the stomach. At the period of re-ascension, place the 
ear in the region of the gullet, and a gurgling sound will be heard, 
different from that accompanying re-descension. The action has 
been described as undulating, alternate, coming and going, like 
the motion of a ship ; but this is regulated by the respiratory 
movements and different attitudes of the body. "We can, how- 
ever, at the moment of the reascent, perceive a flank movement, 
deep inspiration, succeeded by a rapid expiration, showing con- 
clusively that a powerful nervous concurrent force (involuntary) 
controls the action of rumination. 

Finally, the cud can be made to ascend or descend, in the fol- 
lowing manner : We perceive the cud descend ; now grasp the 
gullet firmly, and it re-ascends into the mouth. We next perceive 
the cud ascending; arrest it by compressing the gullet, and it 
rapidly descends again into the stomach; hence the phenomenon 
of remastication can readily be demonstrated. 

The solid food, when once in the paunch, receives the admix- 
ture of fluid secreted from its walls. After maceration for a short 
time, the more solid parts are returned to the mouth, where they 
undergo another mastication, and are again saturated with the 
salivial fluids and swallowed. If properly masticated it reaches 
the third stomach (manyplus or omasum). Here it undergoes a 
further reduction, becomes quite pulpy, after which it enters the 
fourth stomach. 

Caepentee thus describes the phenomena of rumination : 
" The direction of the food into one or the other of the digestive 
cavities, appears to be affected without any voluntary effort on 
the part of the animal itself, but to result simply from the very 
peculiar endowments of the lower part of the oesophagus. This 
does not entirely terminate at its opening into the first stomach or 
paunch, but it is continued onward as a deep groove with two 



468 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

lips. By the closure of these lips it is made to form a tube, 
which serves to convey the food onward into the third stomach ; t 
but when they separate, the food is allowed to pass either into the 
first or second stomach. When the food is first swallowed, it has 
undergone but very little mastication ; it is, consequently, firm in 
consistence, and is brought down to the termination of the oeso- 
phagus in dry bulky masses. These separate the lips of the 
groove or demi-canal, and pass into the first and second stomachs. 
After they have been macerated in the fluids of these cavities, 
they are returned to the mouth by a reverse peristaltic action of 
the oesophagus. This return takes place in a very regular man- 
ner, the food being shaped into globular pellets by compression 
within a sort of mold formed by the ends of the demi-canal, 
drawn together, and these being conveyed to the mouth at 
regular intervals, apparently by a rhythmical movement of the 
oesophagus. After its second mastication, it is again swallowed 
in a pulpy semi-fluid state. It now passes along the groove 
which forms the continuation of the oesophagus, without opening 
its lips, and is thus conveyed into the third stomach, whence it 
passes to the fourth." 

Bloat, Hoven, or Tympanites. 

The term " bloat " has long been discarded by veterinarians as 
an indefinite term, signifying a state of turgescence, dilation, in- 
flation, or puffiness, which is merely indicative of changes in the 
form and condition of parts, without regard to the actual seat or 
nature of the difficulty. For example, a horse is bloated when 
he becomes the subject of subcellular emphysema (distension of 
the cellular membrane beneath the skin with gas), or oedema 
(dropsical tumefaction), etc. However, as every farmer appears 
to be somewhat conversant with the condition of the animal 
known as " bloat," or " hoven," we shall not offer any remarks 
calculated to mystify him, but merely suggest that the term tym- 
panites be substituted for " bloat." Tympanites intestinalis signifies 
a distension of the intestines with wind or gas, accompanied by 
an elastic distension of the abdomen. The latter, when struck or 
sounded by a blow, sounds like a drum, and indicates a windy 
distension of the abdominal viscera (a bowel or organ within the 
body), commonly known as flatulent colic. Tympanites rumenites 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 469 

signifies distension of the rumen in the bovine species — the ox 
and cow — and, in the phraseology of the grazier, is known as 
bloat or hoven. 

Causes. — The direct cause of flatulency and windy distension 
is imperfect digestion. In such cases the food, instead of under- 
going the normal process of digestion, whereby it is converted 
into chyme and chyle, ferments and evolves gases, either carbonic 
acid, or sulphureted hydrogen, and, as " a little leaven leavens the 
whole loaf," so the fermentation, once commenced in the stomach, 
goes on until the food is in a state of putrefaction, or up to the 
period when all its gaseous material has been extracted. Before 
this takes place, it frequently happens that the animal dies, either 
by rupture of the rumen or some portion of the abdominal viscera. 
In some cases, unrelieved, the distension is so great that the ani- 
mal dies in a state of suffocation, occasioned by the pressure on 
the diaphragm, and other important parts and organs. 

Imperfect indigestion may be occasioned by a deranged condi- 
tion of the digestive organs, induced by various causes, such as 
give rise to the same phenomena in man, namely, errors in diet, or 
sudden changes of the same. Thus, if stall-fed animals be turned 
into a field of clover, or into a luxuriant pasture, they not only eat 
greedily, and create an undue distension of the stomach, but they 
partake of food containing a large amount of aqueous matter, 
which, every one knows, is more indigestible than dry food; and 
such a sudden change of diet is not always to be tolerated. There 
can be no dispute about the causes of bloat, hoven, or tympanites. 
It evidently is occasioned by imperfect digestion. As a general 
proposition, therefore, we may contend that all indigestible matter 
may, directly or indirectly, produce a tympany of the abdominal 
viscera ; and we may also contend that an animal may occasion- 
ally become tympanitic, under the most intelligent management, 
owing to some inherent idiosyncrasy in the local organs, honestly 
inherited from sire or dam, or their ancestors. Hence, the reader 
will infer that this dyspepsia, or indigestion, is, like various other 
diseases which seem to appear without any direct cause, transmis- 
sible, not always directly, but by predisposition to this and other 
maladies, which is said " to lurk in breed and conformation," over 
which we have but little control other than palliative. 

Treatment. — Supposing the abdomen to be distended to its ut- 
most capacity by the extricated gas, and the animal is oppressed 



470 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

and distressed in the act of breathing, there is no time to be lost. 
It is useless to resort to drug medication. The case is imminent. 
The gas must be evacuated immediately, and we therefore punc- 
ture the flank on the left side, in its most salient region, by means 
of the trocar and canula (an instrument somewhat similar to that 
used for tapping the chest). Immediate escape of the gas is the 
result, and the patient is soon relieved. Now we may resort to 
medication, and that medicine is the best which is calculated to 
arouse the action of the stomach and arrest fermentation. With 
these objects in view, I recommend the following : 

No. 9. Hyposulphite of soda 4 dr. 

Tincture of ginger 2 oz. 

Water 1 pint. 

Dissolve the hyposulphite in the water, and then add the tinc- 
ture of ginger. Drench the animal with the same. If the tinc- 
ture of ginger can not be obtained, then substitute four drachms 
of the pulverized root. If the case be curable, the above treat- 
ment is almost sure to afford relief. The medicine, however, may 
be repeated at the end of four hours, if necessary. 

Remarks on the introduction of the Trocar. — Having ascertained 
that the animal is in a dangerous condition, owing to the great 
quantity of gas present within the rumen, the most prominent 
point of the left flank should then be selected. Here make an 
incision through the integument, sufficiently large to admit the 
instrument. Then draw the skin upward, and puncture the ab- 
domen ; in this way we make an indirect opening, so that, when 
the trocar is withdrawn, the integument covers the orifice made 
last. The trocar must be kept very sharp or keen, so that it may, 
without using much force, penetrate the peritoneum, and, lastly, 
the rumen. Once within the latter, all resistance ceases. The 
trocar is now withdrawn, and the canula remains, for the passage 
of the gas. In bad cases, the moment the cutting instrument is 
withdrawn from its sheath, the gas will escape, with a noise resem- 
bling a steam-whistle, which conveys to us the idea that we are in 
the presence of a living locomotive, issuing a blast of warning to 
keep out of smelling distance, for ofttimes the odor is intolerable. 

It is best to let the tube remain in the stomach or paunch until 
the abdomen is reduced to about its natural size. The instrument 
must occasionally be drawn forth a little, or pushed forward, as 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 471 

the case requires; and when it becomes obstructed with any por- 
tion of the contents of the stomach, a quill or straw may be used 
to clear the obstruction, and, as the gas escapes and the paunch or 
bowels recede, the canula, which is about six inches in length, 
must be pushed forward as far as it will go. 

Relief may sometimes be obtained by passing the probang into 
the stomach, and I should advise its use in such cases as those at- 
tended by eructation of wind by the mouth from the stomach. 

Distension of the Eumen with Food. 

It occasionally happens that the function of the stomach, as a 
whole or a part of the same, become impaired. The food is then 
very apt to accumulate in the rumen. Or it may happen that an 
animal has partaken voraciously of meal or corn, which, becoming 
saturated with the fluid found in the paunch, swells to such an 
extent that there is danger of its bursting. 

Symptoms. — At first the animal is noticed to be uneasy, and fre- 
quently shifts its position ; occasionally moans ; the left flank is 
swollen and hard. This swelling may be determined by a person 
taking a position directly behind the animal ; he will immediately 
perceive the enlargement. On striking the part with the hand, it 
has no drum-like (tympanitic) sound, as in hoven or bloat, but has 
a solid sound, showing that the distention is owing to the presence 
of a quantity of solid food. Should the medicinal preparations 
fail to relieve the animal, rumination then ceases, the symptoms 
become aggravated, the brain sympathizes, unconsciousness and 
convulsions occur, which soon end in death. 

Treatment. — In cases of extreme distension, it is all folly to 
waste time in administering medicine. An incision, about five 
inches in length, should be made through the left flank into the 
stomach. Then, by means of the hand, the indigestible mass is to 
be removed. This should be done carefully, so as to prevent the 
food falling into the abdominal cavity. The incision made into 
the rumen is then to be stitched, or sutured ; and, lastly, the integ- 
uments are brought together in the same way. It may be proper 
to apply a little tincture of matico or tincture of aloes to the 
wound. Having finished the operation, the next object is to 
arouse the action of the stomach, for which purpose I recommend 
the following : 



472 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

* 

No. 10. Powdered golden seal 3 dr. 

Hyposulphite of soda 4 dr. 

Powdered ginger 2 dr. 

Warm water 1 pint. 

Mix. 

Drench from a bottle. The patient had better be kept hungry 
the first twenty-four hours after the operation ; then an occasional 
bran-mash, well seasoned with table salt, may be allowed. 

Many cases of very considerable severity have been relieved by 
the above treatment. There is very little danger attending an 
operation of this kind, for the rumen is not very highly organized 
with either blood-vessels or nerves. I have known several in- 
stances in which this operation has been performed in the rudest 
possible manner, with a common jackknife, and yet the animals 
operated on recovered. The intelligent husbandman, however, 
will, if possible, secure the services of a surgeon for the perform- 
ance of all operations requiring skill and good judgment. 

Removal of the Sutures, or Stitches. — The incision into the ru- 
men having been secured by very fine yet .strong thread, and the 
ends cut off, needs none of our attention. The external sutures, 
however, will have to be removed in the course of a week or ten 
days. We merely cut the knot and withdraw the suture. 

Gastrointestinal Inflammation. 

Gastro-intestinal inflammation of the stomach and bowels is fre- 
quently occasioned by the presence of concretions and hair-balls, 
or some other foreign bodies. There are many plants, such as 
hemlock, crowfoot, henbane, wild poppy, etc., which act as poisons, 
and induce an inflammatory condition of the stomach and intes- 
tines. An animal may feed on substances which are too dry and 
fibrous. They accumulate and distend the stomach beyond its 
normal capacity. Or the manyplus may contract spasmodically 
and imprison the food. In either case an inflammatory condition 
is the result. The treatment of a disease of this character is very 
unsatisfactory, and it is very difficult to write out any directions 
that shall meet the emergencies in cases of the above character. 

The following case, communicated for the " Veterinarian " by 
Surgeon Redwood, will give the reader a better idea of this 
malady than the author can furnish, his experience being rather 
limited in treatment of this affection : 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 473 

"I have forwarded to you a jar containing portions of the 
abomasum of a cow that I have had slaughtered, seeing that 
further treatment was altogether useless. You will perceive a 
large gangrenous spot on the inner coat of the above viscus, which 
I consider was the cause of the symptoms presented. I have also 
sent you portions of the ilium and jejunum, which will afford you 
some idea of the intensity of the spasmodic action with which 
these intestines were affected. The whole of the small intestines 
presented the most marked spasmodic condition ; in fact they were 
like so many muscular cylindrical cords, and impervious to any 
body larger than that of an ordinary-sized goose-quill. 

Now, all the diseased conditions are enumerated in the above 
brief description. Every other organ — except the liver, which 
had a little deposit of earthy matter in a few of its larger biliary 
tubes, a very common condition of the gland — both in the thorax 
and the abdomen, presented the most healthy aspect. The animal 
was ill but thirty-six hours. 

The following were the symptoms observed and the treatment 
adopted : The patient was a dairy cow, five years old, in excel- 
lent condition, living on straw alone for the last fourteen days, 
five months advanced in pregnancy, and never had been ill before, 
being bred on the farm. When I first visited her she evinced 
all the symptoms of hoven, and that, to a great extent, so much 
so, that at one time I was about to introduce the trocar, for the 
purpose of affording relief; yet, knowing the animal could not 
have had access to succulent diet, I came to the conclusion that 
this was the effect of the chemical laws acting on vegetable mat- 
ter, over which the stomachs had, in some degree, lost their vital 
influence. The poor animal was in great agony, shown by loud 
groaning, though rarely lying down ; eyes, sunk in their orbits ; 
pulse, quick and irritable, but not such as to indicate or warrant 
depletion. Occasionally a quantity of the fluid contents of the 
rumen were regurgitated through the nose and mouth, almost, it 
would appear, involuntarily. She also, at intervals, voided a 
small quantity of commingled aqueous and mucous fluid per 
anum, although, as before remarked, from the moment she was 
observed to be ill, not the smallest portion of ingesta passed the 
abomasum, which, together with all the other stomachs, was par- 
tially filled with food in a pultaceous state. It appeared to me 
evident that the obstruction to the passage was caused by spas- 



474 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



moclic action of the pyloric orifice, the action extending throughout 
the greater portion or all of the small intestines. 

"Will you favor me with your opinion as to the cause of the cir- 
cumscribed and intense inflammation of the villous coat of the true 
stomach, and say if you think it arose from any chemical irritant? 

The treatment consisted in the exhibition of spirits of ammonia 
aromatic with the carbonate ; aperients, and at last the chlorides ; 
but all proved inert, no benefit whatever accruing therefrom. Had 
I suspected spasm to such a marked extent, I should certainly 
have given large doses of extract belladonna and hyosciami, both 
in the form of enema and by the mouth. As it was, my treatment 
was directed solely to the symptoms evinced ; and when I found 
that all the usual remedies were of no avail, as the animal was in 
high condition, I thought it best to have her destroyed. 

[The lining membrane of that portion of the alimentary canal 
forwarded by Mr. Redwood was, throughout, in a state of conges- 
tion, presenting here and there depressed or cup-like patches, which 
apparently resulted from ulceration, commencing in the submucous 
tissue. The ulceration had also penetrated, in spots, the substance 
of the mucous membrane. This condition of parts is somewhat 
singular, and might have had its origin in the existence of some 
local irritant.] " 




IMPORTED DUTCH COW PURMER. 

[Imported by W. W. Chenery, of Belmont, Mass.] 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 



475 



Dentition of Cattle. 





APPEARANCE OP THE TEMPORARY 
INCISORS AT BIRTH. 



APPEARANCE OP THE TEMPORARY 
INCISORS ABOUT ONE WEEK AF- 
TER BIRTH. 




APPEABANCE OF THE TEMPORARY 
INCISORS ABOUT TWO WEEKS AF- 
TER BIRTH. 




APPEARANCE OF THE TEMPORARY INCISORS 
ABOUT THREE WEEKS OR A MONTH AFTER 
BIRTH. 




APPEABANCE OF THE TEMPORARY 
INCISOBS AT THE AGE OF EIGHT 
OB NINE MONTHS. 




APPEARANCE OF THE TEMPORARY 
INCISORS AT THE AGE OF TEN OB 
ELEVEN MONTHS. 



476 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 




APPEARANCE OF THE TEMPORARY 
INCISORS AT THE AGE OF FIF- 
TEEN OB 6IXTEEN MONTHS. 




APPEARANCE OF THE TEMPORARY IN- 
CISORS AT THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN OE 
NINETEEN MONTHS. 




APPEARANCE OF THE TEMPORARY 
AND PERMANENT INCISORS AT 
THE AGE OF ABOUT TWO YEARS. 




APPEARANCE OF THE PERMANENT 
AND TEMPORARY TEETH AT THE 
AGE OF THREE YEARS. 




APPEARANCE OF SIX PERMANENT IN- 
CISORS AND TWO TEMPORARY AT THE 
AGE OF FOUR. 




APPEARANCE OF AIX THE PERMANENT 
TEETH AT THE AGE OF FIVE. 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 



477 





APPEARANCE OF THE PERMANENT 
TEETH AT THE AGE OF ABOUT 
SIX YEARS. 



APPEARANCE OF THE PERMANENT 
TEETH AT THE AGE OF ABOUT 
TEN YEARS. 



Synopsis of Dentition. 



INCISORS. 



Temporary incisors all prominent at the end of one month. 

The two central permanent incisors appear in from twenty to 
twenty-four months. 

The two inner middle permanent incisors appear at about the 
age of three years. 

The two outer middle permanent incisors appear at about the 
age of four years. 

The corner permanent incisors appear between the ages of five 
and six years. 

MOLAES, OR GRINDERS. 

Temporary molars, three in each jaw, above and below, on both 
sides, are prominent at birth, or within four weeks of that period. 

Fourth temporary molars are cut at the age of six months. 

Fifth temporary molars are cut at the age of fifteen months. 

Sixth temporary molars are cut at the age of from two years to 
thirty months. 

The first and second permanent molars are cut at the age of 
about two years. 

The third molar is cut at about the age of three ; the fourth 
appears at the age of four ; the fifth at the age of five ; and the 
sixth at the age of six. 



478 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Suspended Rumination, or Loss or Cud. 

Some people, who are in the habit of prescribing for loss of eud, 
more properly termed " cessation of rumination," suppose that if 
they can only restore the lost function the trouble will end. This 
is certainly very desirable, for an improvement in the appetite of 
sick animals is a sure sign of rapid recovery ; yet a restoration of 
the cud alone will not always insure a cure, neither are the reme- 
dies prescribed by some calculated to accomplish this object. One 
man reccommends a red herring to be thrust down the throat; 
another a portion of the quid, or cud, of a healthy cow. Others 
recommend raw beef, pork, pepper, etc. This results from mis- 
taking symptoms for disease ; for loss of cud is nothing more than 
a symptom of deranged digestive function, or that of other organs 
sympathetically associated with it. Those who have the care of 
cattle, and prescribe for them when sick, are not supposed to be 
able to trace loss of cud to derangement of one or a class of organs, 
unless they shall have had the advantages of a medical education, 
which is not often the case. They are not acquainted with the 
various sympathetic relations that exist in the animal economy, 
neither can they understand why an abnormal condition of one 
organ produces a corresponding effect in one or a class of organs 
remotely situated ; nevertheless, such are the facts. Many a poor 
cow has been thus forced to swallow down a red herring (bones 
and all) or " another cow's quid " (not of tobacco, for none other 
than two-legged animals chew quids of this description), and we 
can readily conceive that such articles may, for the time being, 
arouse the digestive organs, and create an unnatural appetite in 
animals of such refined taste and nice discrimination as the cow. 
A red herring, either whole or comminuted by the grinders, and 
then swallowed, only creates irritation on the mucous surfaces of 
the various compartments of the stomach ; an unusual abundance 
of blood flows into the walls of that organ, the circulation of that 
fluid is quickened, the gastric juice flows more readily, and the 
digestive function is exalted. A repetition of the practice enfee- 
bles the power of the stomach ; its action is quickened at expendi- 
ture of power, for all unnatural excitement of a natural function 
is followed by a corresponding depression. A stimulant — and red 
herring may be classed as such — creates a desire for food ; but then 
the animal may be laboring under an acute disease of some organ, 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 479 

when food would be inadmissible; or the stomach may be over- 
burdened and unable to digest what is already there, and, there- 
fore, requires rest, as any other organ would after long-continued 
action. 

The stomach is one of the most important organs, and performs 
some of the most delicate operations in the animal economy. Its 
functions may be suspended from various causes, and it is the 
province of the practitioner to learn and understand the why and 
wherefore of its derangement. In many cases the stomach craves 
no food, because it can not digest it; and merely creating an 
appetite by stimulants is worse than useless, for whatever is then 
eaten can not be converted into chyme, nor can the lacteals take 
it up and apply it to the purposes of nutrition. Whenever an 
animal is suffering from disease, pain, or excitement, there will 
often be absence of appetite (loss of cud), and this function is 
suspended because the animal is drawn from it by his sufferings. 

The real seat of sensation of hunger is in the brain, not in the 
stomach alone, as some suppose. The latter may first communi- 
cate some such sensation to the brain, yet if that organ be in a 
deranged condition, unable to recognize the want, then we must 
impart healthy action to it, and establish an equilibrium between 
the nervous and general system, in order to produce a natural ap- 
petite. Do you wish to know how to do this ? If so, study the 
veterinary art. That the appetite is affected by the state of health, 
both of the body and mind, is certain. Human practitioners real- 
ize that. " In fever, pain, and in certain dyspeptic states, the 
stomach craves little or no food. So in mental distress, in times 
of great fear, or sorrow, or extreme anxiety, the appetite fails. 
Even in a single moment the appetite may be suspended by any 
sudden mental affection or emotion." Animals are known to man- 
ifest mental emotion when separated from their offspring, or from 
those with whom they have been accustomed to work or associate ; 
and many cases are on record showing that animals, when deprived 
of the society of their fellows, refuse their food, and die of grief, 
so that, in this particular, the brute does no,t differ from his mas- 
ter. Is it not a matter of importance, then, to ascertain the cause 
of loss of cud (appetite) before we prescribe red herrings, etc. ? 

" Loss of cud/' says Mr. Youatt, " is more a symptom of dis- 
ease than a disease of itself. It accompanies most inflammatory 
complaints, and is often connected with those of debility. It will 



480 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

be the duty of the practitioner to ascertain the cause of this sus- 
pension of second mastication, and to adapt his mode of treatment 
to the nature of that cause. A dose of physic, with a small por- 
tion of aromatic medicine, will be indicated if any fever can be 
detected. More than the usual quantity of aromatic should be 
added in the absence of fever, and still more, with tonic and 
alterative medicine, if general debility is indicated. The cara- 
way and ginger powder are the best aromatics, and will supersede 
every other. The gentian and ginger, with Epsom salts, will 
prove a very useful tonic and alterative in cases of loss of cud 
that can not be traced to any particular diseased state of the 
animal." 

A word to the farmer, and I have done. If you have permit- 
ted your animals to subsist on innutritious diet, so that their diges- 
tive powers have been overtaxed, and that function is paralyzed, 
then the blame rests with you. On the other hand, have you been 
preparing them for market — piling on the fat, at the same time 
depriving them of pure air and exercise ? If so, you are equally 
blamable. Is your barn and dairy management consistent with 
the received opinion of those who are the best judges in these mat- 
ters ? If not, make them so, and, depend upon it, your cattle will 
thrive and be blessed with a natural appetite ; for disease, in nine 
cases out of ten, results from violating the laws of Nature. 

Inflammation of the Bowels (Enteritis). 

Inflammation of the bowels, occurring in any of the divisions 
of the intestines, is one of frequent occurrence ; yet among cattle 
it is not liable to become so suddenly fatal as among horses. 

Symptoms. — This disease bears some analogy to colic, in the 
suddenness of its attack. A healthy animal is all at once attacked 
with abdominal pain ; gets down, and moans from incessant or 
persistent pain ; The pulse generally ranges from 60 to 70 ; rumi- 
nation has ceased, and the feces is hard, covered with slime or 
streaked with blood ; * the flanks heave (as the saying is); the 
limbs are tremulous, and the animal has a staggering gait ; the 
visible surfaces of the eye, mouth, and nostrils are reddened ; pres- 
sure upon the abdominal region (which is generally tucked up), 
elicits symptoms of pain. As the disease proceeds, these symp- 
toms are aggravated, and intestinal hemorrhage or mortification 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 481 

terminates the sufferings of the animal. The post mortem exami- 
nation generally reveals engorgement of the blood-vessels of the 
intestines, with highly-carbonized and coagulated blood ; the lin- 
ing membrane is of a dark velvet color, and the large intestines 
are, more or less, inflamed or gangrenous. 

Treatment. — The principal objects in the treatment of this dis- 
ease are, to lubricate the interior of the stomach and intestines 
with mucilage of slippery elm, and to equalize the circulation and 
nervous action over the general system. The remedies are as 
follows : 

No. 85. Mucilage of slippery elm 1 quart. 

Powdered gum assafetida 2 dr. 

Powdered lobelia 1 dr. 

The above dose may be repeated at the expiration of eight hours. 
In the mean time, apply a mustard poultice to a part of the abdo- 
men, and excite the circulation on the surface of the body and 
extremities by friction with wisps of straw. An occasional anti- 
spasmodic injection should be thrown into the rectum. Two 
quarts of hot water to one ounce of powdered lobelia are about the 
proper proportions. Should the patient appear to suffer from dis- 
tension of the intestines with gas, then give one ounce of hyposul- 
phite of soda, two drachms of powdered golden seal, and one pint 
of water. 

Animals in the above condition can not bear cathartics, yet cases 
now and then occur which require a gentle aperient, merely to aid 
in the removal of fecal accumulations. When such remedy is in- 
dicated, I recommend the following, to be used as a drench : 

No. 86. Glauber salts 8 oz. 

Warm water 1 pint. 

Molasses -J gill. 

Powdered ginger 1 table-spoonful. 

Mix. 



Invagination of Intestines. 

Invagination of intestine signifies a portion of intestine drawn 
within another, there becoming strangulated. This difficulty 
does occasionally occur, and the symptoms do not differ materially 
from those attending strangulation occasioned by the cord, or vas 
deferens. 

31 



482 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Symptoms. — The animal passes nothing from the rectum but a 
small quantity of blood ; suffers incessant pain ; is very uneasy, 
and rumination is suspended ; he will occasionally anxiously regard 
the flanks and moan. This trouble is generally preceded by 
flatulency. 

Treatment. — The best plan of relieving the animal is to etherize 
him, for it often happens that, during etherization, a relaxation of 
the muscular tissues takes place, and such condition is favorable 
to the return of the bowel. It may be proper, while the animal 
is down, and under the influence of ether, to introduce a hand into 
the rectum and try what can be done by manipulation and traction. 
The small intestines, in which the difficulty occurs, can be seized 
through the wall of the rectum, and, perhaps, by some slight trac- 
tion or movement, the difficulty may be remedied. It is impossible 
to tell what is the result of our efforts until the animal is relieved, 
and has had time to recover from the effects of the ether. This 
having taken place, without improvement, I should immediately 
perform the right-flank operation, search for the seat of the diffi- 
culty, and reduce the invagination. 

This operation may appear to some as a very formidable affair — 
very dangerous and painful ; but a skillful surgeon, armed with 
the great Godsend, ether, can perform the same without the least 
danger. I have opened the abdominal cavity several times, in 
cases of sterility, merely to explore the uterus and ovaries, and 
never met with any accident; and to encourage those who have 
never had any experience in the performance of this operation, I 
relate the following incident : I was requested, a short time ago, 
to visit a very valuable Durham cow, the property of Mr. G. 
Clarke, of Hyde Hall, Otsego County, N. Y., which had been 
purchased of Lord Ducie, accompanied by a warranty of pregnancy 
by one of the best bulls in England. Time revealed the fact that 
she was not pregnant. She had afterward several connections with 
the opposite sex, yet could not be impregnated. The object in 
securing my services was to solve the problem of her sterility. 
Now comes the pith of the matter. I cast her and explored the 
vagina. It appeared that there was a sort of hour-glass contrac- 
tion in the vagina, so that the hand could not be introduced more 
than six inches. At this point there appeared to exist a mechani- 
cal obstruction to further penetration. This was sufficient evidence 
of incapacity of the sexual congress, yet, having traveled a long 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. * 483 

distance, at great expense to the owner, and there being some pros- 
pect of litigation in the matter, I was determined to remove all 
doubts. I therefore performed the flank operation, and explored 
the uterus and ovaries. The whole were in a state of atrophy, 
except the right ovary, which was as large as the kidney of an ox. 
Being desirous of ascertaining what the character of the enlarge- 
ment was, I put my thumb and finger into it. By so doing I 
ruptured a vessel, which bled very profusely. My immediate im- 
pressions were that the animal must die of internal hemorrhage. 
It was a matter of impossibility to secure the bleeding vessel, so I 
sutured the incision, expecting that the animal would die in the 
course of a few hours ; but, contrary to my expectations she got 
well. 

Diarrhea. 

Diarrhea consists of an increased number of lower-bowel dis- 
charges, augmented peristaltic motion of the bowels, irritability 
of the same, and a too rapid propulsion of the secretions. Di- 
arrhea is sometimes salutary — an eifort of Nature to rid the 
system of morbific matter. It frequently occurs at the com- 
mencement of various fi^ms of disease, and is scarcely, if ever, 
an isolated affection. Gallup, in his " Institutes of Medicine," 
contends that the muco-intestinal discharges are portions of the 
centrifugal circulations, which probably have their functions ac- 
celerated by the force of the heart and arteries, above that of the 
centripetal series. A fluid, quite similar to the cold sweat of the 
skin, and by a similar process, is forced out in abundance, and 
produces the diarrhea. 

A moderate diarrhea, occurring in a plethoric animal, is often 
salutary ; for it relieves the relative plethora of the vascular sys- 
tem, which occurs at the onset of acute disease. When the dis- 
charges are of a yellow or greenish color, there is, generally, 
functional derangement of the liver. When an abundance of 
mucous material is observed, it goes to show that the mucous 
membrane is congested. Sometimes an excess of serous fluid is 
observed. This occurs more particularly in dropsical affections. 
There is also an alvinous variety of diarrhea, caused by an abnor- 
mal secretion or exudation of coagulable lymph. It frequently 
comes away in shreds, or detached pieces, from various portions 
of the intestinal canal. 



484 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Treatment. — Almost any form of this affection, except the 
chronic kind, can be checked, and perhaps cured, by administer- 
ing a few doses of charcoal and lime-water. I use these agents 
in the following proportions : 

No. 87. Finely powdered charcoal 8 oz. 

Lime-water 4 oz. 

Tincture of matico 2 oz. 

Water 1 pint. 

Mix. 

One-fourth of the above is a dose for an ox or cow, which may 
be repeated every four hours. The same remedy answers for calves, 
only they require a smaller quantity. The astringent properties 
of the above mixture can be augmented by increasing the quantity 
of matico, or by adding a small quantity of powdered bayberry 
bark. 

In all cases of diarrhea, I usually order a change of diet ; for, 
in some cases, the food is operative in producing the difficulty. 
If it occur while at grass, the animal should be taken to the barn 
for a short time, and allowed a few moderate meals of ground 
oatmeal. When sucking calves are under treatment for diarrhea, 
the mother should also have a few doses of the above remedy ; for 
it often happens that she is ailing at the time, and her milk has 
a morbid tendency on the calf. In the advanced stages, when the 
fecal discharges emit a bad odor, and rumination is suspended, 
the patient should have a few quarts of milk porridge per day. 
Scalded milk alone will sustain and benefit the calf. 



Chronic Diarrhea. 

Chronic diarrhea is usually accompanied by loss of condition ; 
the coat stares, and, although the animal is allowed the very best 
kind of food, still it thrives not ; the skin and ribs seem to have 
entered into permanent relationship. In a case of this character, 
I recommend the following : 

No. 88. Phosphate of lime 6 oz. 

Powdered ginger 3 oz. 

Powdered charcoal 4 oz. 

Powdered golden seal 2 oz. 

Powdered bayberry bark 1 oz. 

Mix. 

Divide the mass into eight equal parts, and mix one of them 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 485 

in the food night and morning. This will generally have the 
desired effect. Should it fail, I would increase the quantity of 
bayberry bark to three ounces. 

Gut-tie. 

It would seem that an apology is due the reader from the author 
for introducing such an apparently vulgar term as the above ; but 
the fact is, this term has a meaning — perhaps better understood 
than any other that can be introduced at the present time. It 
would appear that " gut-tie " is often occasioned by a faulty method 
of castration, or " altering." This is the testimony of experts ; but 
it is my opinion that gut-tie often occurs more accidentally than 
otherwise, for animals have been known to die of gut-tie after being 
castrated in the best possible manner. I once operated on an ani- 
mal for this mechanical trouble, and am satisfied that the castrator 
was as well qualified to perform the operation as the best of the 
craft ; yet the cord had retracted into the abdomen, formed a false 
tissue, and had also a large bulbous extremity, which no skill or 
foresight could have possibly guarded against. 

Symptoms. — The animal operated on presented the following 
symptoms : Pulse, small and quick ; respirations, hurried ; animal 
very uneasy (all the time), down and up again very often ; rectum, 
empty, yet coated with slime ; the patient refused both food and 
water, and had not ruminated nor passed any feces for several 
hours. 

Treatment. — I proposed an operation, with the intention of ex- 
ploring the abdominal cavity, to which the owner consented. 
The patient was cast on the near or left side, and etherized. An 
incision, five inches in length, was then made through the integu- 
ments of the right flank, midway between the last rib and ante- 
rior part of the ilium, about three inches below the transverse 
spines of the lumbar vertebra. The muscles and peritoneum were 
also divided in the same manner as when spaying a cow. After 
introducing my hand, I found a portion of intestine incarcerated 
by the remains of the spermatic cord, which seemed, together with 
some false membrane, to have entangled the intestine. After lib- 
erating the latter, the divided muscles were closed by suture, one 
end of which was left long enough to hang out of the wound. The 
integuments were then sutured, and dressed with tincture of aloes. 



486 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

The patient staggered a little when he got up, but soon commenced 
eating. I did not see him afterward, but, a fortnight from the 
time of the operation, was informed that the animal experienced 
immediate relief from the difficulty, and was then well. 

Up to the present time there appears to be no information afloat 
in this country regarding the cause and remedy of this singular 
difficulty ; hence, I presume that some reliable account from other 
sources may be acceptable to the reader of this work. The fol- 
lowing account of " gut-tie " is from the pen of Surgeon Crow- 
HURST, published in the " London Veterinarian :" 

"I was requested on the 15th of last month, to attend a two- 
year old steer, the property of W. W. Daws, Esq., of Ewhurst, 
which was taken ill the day previously ; but, it being late when 
the illness was observed, and my residence nine miles distant, 
some aperient medicine was administered, and orders given to 
send for me the next morning. When I arrived, the steer was 
lying down in a shed, but soon got up and walked across the 
yard. His back was arched, and the abdomen tucked up. He 
was somewhat excited at first, but soon began to tremble, and to 
step in a backward direction, by putting one hind leg directly 
behind the other. Occasionally he turned his head toward his 
side, and would kick at his belly, and, now and then, stretch 
himself out, and curve his loins to a considerable extent. After 
being in the yard for a short time, he returned into the shed and 
lay down again, doing this in a very careful manner. He soon 
got up a second time, and stepped backward as before, seemingly 
for the purpose of getting his hind-quarters against some resisting 
body. The man in charge of the animal explained that the symp- 
toms had undergone but very little change since he was taken ill, 
and that he had not eaten any thing nor voided any feces. There 
were, however, several evacuations of mucus lying about the yard, 
which had been expelled from the bowels. 

Having procured a wagon-rope, and obtained the assistance of 
two or three men, I had the animal cast, and examined him per 
rectum. There were no feces present, but, on passing my hand 
onward, I readily detected a band, which was drawn tightly round 
the bowel. It appeared to pass from behind forward, and und?r 
the rectum. By pulling at this the animal struggled from pain. 
Finding this state of things, I at once decided upon operating, as 
I could not see the patient any more that day, having many press- 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 487 

ing professional engagements. I first cut off the hair from the 
right side, which I prefer to do while the animal is standing, that 
I may know better where to commence my incision when he is 
cast. I will here describe my plan of casting the animal, that, 
should any person have a preferable one, I may put it in requi- 
sition in my after-proceedings. I first fastened one end of a 
rope to the off fore-leg, then passed it in front and around the 
near fore-leg, and afterward under the part of the rope between 
the legs, so as to pull them close together. Next, it was carried 
between the hind legs and round the near one, and then under 
that part which passed from the fore to the hind legs. By then 
bringing the end of the rope over the bullock's back, I was en- 
abled to throw him on his near side, and prevent his rising by 
drawing the near hind leg forward, and fixing it between the 
fore-legs. As the off hind leg was still at liberty, it was secured 
by drawing it backward, and fastening it by another rope to a 
crowbar fixed in the ground. A man was then placed on the 
animaPs neck ? to keep his head down, and prevent his rising. 
Every thing being ready, I commenced the operation by cutting 
through the common integument and abdominal muscles, midway 
between the antero-inferior spinous process of the ilium and the 
last rib, a short distance below the transverse processes of the 
lumbar vertebra, so as to avoid the arteries of the part. The peri- 
toneum was then broken through with the fingers, and afterward 
the left hand was introduced into the abdomen, in a direction 
toward the pelvis. I experienced no difficulty in finding the 
band, which consisted of the vas deferens, and which formed a 
semicircular projection in the abdomen from the intestines pass- 
ing behind it, or from below upward, as the steer lay on his side. 
It was drawn quite tight, and had produced strangulation of the 
intestines. I was soon enabled to liberate the intestines, after 
which I drew the vas deferens toward the opening in the muscles 
and divided it, excising a portion to the extent of about three or 
four inches. The part cut through retracted, and was left floating 
free in the abdomen. The operation was completed by passing 
some interrupted sutures of wide tape through the common integ- 
ument only. After the animal was released, I gave him some 
aperient medicine, and ordered gruel to be administered at regu- 
lar intervals. 

Before I was a student at the college, I attended a post mortem 



488 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

examination of an old Welch runt, which my father ordered to 
be killed, as the proprietor neglected sending soon enough for him 
to be of any service. In this case there were about six inches of 
the small intestines strangulated, and quite black in color. The 
question arises, Is this affection produced from any particular 
mode of castration ? My father has castrated animals in the same 
way as taught him by his father for forty-five years, and has 
never had one case among those he has operated upon, although 
he has been called to several which had been operated upon by 
other persons. 

The calf which I have alluded to was not castrated by him, nor 
was the two-year old steer, (the subject of this communication,) by 
either of us, which tends to prove that castration has to do with 
its production, these cases having occurred in our district. I had, 
until recently, supposed that the spermatic artery, on being drawn 
at until it ruptures, in the operation of castration, might recede 
into the abdomen, and, hanging loose, afterward strangulate the 
intestines by getting around them, but I feel convinced this is not 
the case." 

The following, which lately appeared in the Edinburgh "Vet- 
erinary Review," is offered for the reader's instruction. It is a 
translation from Gierer, by Mr. Gamgee : 

"On the Internal Ruptures in Oxen. 

" Gierer alludes to the fact that all authors agree as to the na- 
ture of the internal or peritoneal ruptures termed ' ueber-wurf/ 
by the Germans — 'gut-tie' by the English. There is a separa- 
tion of the atrophied spermatic cord from the sides of the pelvis, 
and, under peculiar circumstances, the peritoneum is lacerated ; a 
portion of intestine slips downward and backward, and the cord 
is entwined round it, so as to constrict it, obstruct the passage of 
excrement, and inflammation, with other consequences, result. 
Gierer especially describes his method of discovering the seat of 
the constriction, and his plan of operating. He says that it is not 
always so easy to find the spermatic cord, and to discover precisely 
which intestine is incarcerated. Most cases occur in oxen from 
a year and a half to four years old. When symptoms of colic, 
and no discharge of feces induce him to suspect l gut-tie/ he 
examines per rectum, and, by careful manipulation, can always 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 489 

detect the spermatic cord and imprisoned intestine. Gierer has 
never seen this strangulation relieved spontaneously; and there 
are two methods of cure to adopt — the one palliative, and the 
other radical. The first consists in the return of the intestine 
through the fissure in the spermatic cord, by quickly driving an 
ox or raising his hind-quarters in a stall. This should be tried 
soon after the first appearance of the disease. When this does not 
answer, the normal condition of the parts must be restored by the 
taxis effected through the rectum. 

Very often there may be a relapse, from the loose spermatic 
cord and fissure of the peritoneum remaining in statu quo. There 
are two methods of radical cure — one by the introduction of the 
hand through an incision through the abdominal walls, and the 
other by the rectum. Gierer always operates by the rectum, and 
his method consists in the simple return of the spermatic cord in 
contact with its natural point of attachment against the abdominal 
wall. To effect this a limited, successive, and slightly outdraw- 
ing traction forward, or from behind forward, of the intestine is 
effected ; and, having accomplished this, the soft part of the thumb 
of the right hand, which is used from the beginning of the oper- 
ation, is applied through the coats of the rectum in the lower and 
posterior part of the cord, and, with a jerk, or forward movement, 
the operation is completed. 

Gierer says that the introduction of the hand in the abdomen 
is only needed when, from the amount of intestine imprisoned, it 
is difficult to feel the rudimentary spermatic cord; but, under 
these circumstances, inflammation and gangrene would have en- 
sued already, and the operation would, therefore, be useless, and 
it is many years since he had occasion to perform it." 

Flatulent Colic. 

This disease is generally occasioned by some derangement of 
the digestive organs, whereby the food, instead of being properly 
digested, undergoes fermentation, and thus carbonic acid gas, or 
sulphureted hydrogen is evolved. 

Symptoms. — It is attended by considerable pain; the animal 
will be very restless, continually lying down and getting up again ; 
discharges gas from the anus ; strikes the belly occasionally with 
the hind feet, and the abdomen is enlarged. 



490 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Treatment. — This species of colic can generally be relieved as 
follows: Take one ounce of hyposulphite of soda, dissolve the 
same in a quart of water ; then add tincture of ginger and tincture 
of golden seal, of each, one ounce. Drench the animal with the 
same. Clysters of soap-suds, to which a little salt may be added, 
should be thrown into the rectum occasionally. The belly should 
be w T ell rubbed with coarse straw, and, in severe cases, I should 
rub some mustard, moistened with vinegar, on the lower part of 
the abdomen. After a lapse of two hours, should the patient ap- 
pear unrelieved, a second dose of the colic drench may be given. 
Generally, however, one dose is sufficient. 

Spasm of the Bowels. 

Spasm of the bowels, generally termed spasmodic colic, is oc- 
casioned by contraction of the longitudinal and circular fibers of 
the muscular tunic of the intestines. In this disease nearly the 
same symptoms are observed as those alluded to in flatulent colic, 
with the exception of flatulency. The patient, however, is more 
irritable and dangerous to handle than in flatulent colic, and he 
has periods of relaxation from pain which return at intervals with 
increased violence. It is supposed that this affection is caused 
by the presence of irritating matters in the intestinal canal, either 
in the form of bad food, poisonous plants, or water impregnated 
with lead. As the muscles of the intestines belong to that class 
known as involuntary, it follows that the state of spasm is the 
result of some excitability or deranged condition of the nerves of 
involuntary motion ; hence antispasmodics are indicated. In view 
of relieving the spasm, I recommend the following : 

No. 89. Powdered assafetida 1 dr. 

Sulphuric ether 2 dr. 

Thin gruel 1 pint. 

Mix. 

Use as a drench ; then administer, occasionally, an antispasmodic 
clyster, composed of warm water and a small quantity of pow- 
dered lobelia. 

Failing to relieve the animal by the above means, I should get 
him under the influence of sulphuric ether, to be applied to the 
nostrils by means of a sponge. There is no necessity for fully 
etherizing the animal, for, if kept in a partial state of stupefaction 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 491 

for about twenty minutes, the spasm will relax ; after which, let 
the patient be kept on bran-mashes for a day or more. 

Constipation of the Bowels. 

Constipation is generally the result of impaired digestion, yet, 
now and then, it is the precursor of some definite malady. The 
old method of resorting to powerful cathartics generally aggravates 
the symptoms, and the animal dies unrelieved of the constipation. 

The best method of treating this affection is to administer, with 
an aperient, stimulants and bitters; in this way we arouse the 
action of the digestive organs, and create a lax state of the bowels. 
Let the following drench be given : 

No. 90. Glauber salts 12 oz. 

Powdered golden seal 3 dr. 

Powdered ginger 2 dr. 

Dissolve the Glauber salts in one quart of tepid water; then 
add the other ingredients. After a lapse of eight hours, the animal 
should be walked about, have its belly rubbed, and* an occasional 
clyster of warm soap-suds may be thrown into the rectum. Should 
the medicine not operate at the expected time, administer two 
drachms of powdered mandrake, the same quantity of golden seal, 
and half an ounce of hyposulphite of soda, in about a quart of 
water. 

To prevent a recurrence of the constipation, let the animal have 
half an ounce of equal parts of golden seal and carbonate of soda 
daily, which may be mixed in the food. It is important, also, in 
view of guarding against constipation, to make some change in 
the diet. Thus, if the animal has been long fed on meal, some 
coarser material (shorts) should be substituted, for a brief period 
at least. 







SECTION XVII. 

PARTURITION. 

Signs of Labor, or Parturition — Natural Labor — Unnatural Labor— 
Fore-legs Presenting — One Fore-leg Presenting — Head Presenting 
without the Legs — Extraction of a Calf on its Back— Hind Legs Pre- 
senting — Breech Presentation — Cleansing, or Removal of the After- 
birth — Back of the Calf Presenting at the Brim of the Pelvis — Ute- 
rine Hemorrhage — Birth of Twins — Triplets. 

Signs of Labor, or Parturition. 

AT the end of two hundred and seventy days from the period 
of a cow's impregnation, some enlargement of the udder 
will be perceived, and the labii pudendi (external parts of the 
genital organs) are relaxed, and appear tumefied, and a sort of 
glistening discharge issues from the same. The animal is also 
restless, and appears desirous of avoiding the society of other 
cows. Her respirations are somewhat quickened; she becomes 
nervous and irritable, and labor pains set in, occurring at stated 
periods, until, at last, the neck of the uterus dilates, the foetal 
membranes present themselves in the form of a watery tumor, 
and the parts admit of the delivery of the foetus. 

Natural Labor. 

Natural labor consists of the presentation of the placental mem- 
branes, inclosed fluid, with the head and two fore-feet of the foetus. 
In the act of natural expulsion the membranes become ruptured, 
and the liquor amnii (water) escapes. This lubricates the parts, 
and greatly facilitates the birth of the foetus. After delivery a 
few after-pains occur, by which means the placenta, or after-birth, 
is expelled. This completes the painful routine of natural labor. 
(492) 



parturition. 493 

Unnatural Labor. 

A cow failing to give birth after the fashion described in the 
preceding article, and being in a state of parturition, having regu- 
lar uterine pains, increasing in severity as they successively occur, 
yet no appearance of the foetus, is probably the subject of false 
presentation. The character of this presentation must be ascer- 
tained, and our efforts then directed to the replacement of the part 
to its natural position. The person who intends to render assist- 
ance to the parturient cow should be clad in suitable garments. 
His arms must be bared to the shoulders, and, in view of guard- 
ing against the absorption of morbid virus, the person's arms 
should be lubricated with glycerine or olive oil. The instru- 
ments required are, embryotomy knife, embryotomy hooks, and 
slip-nooses. (See cut of instruments.) 

Fore-Legs Presenting. 

The most common false presentation is that when the two fore- 
legs are advanced into the vagina, sometimes beyond it, and the 
head turned upon the foetal body. This is occasioned by the 
muzzle having caught at the brim of the pelvis. The delivery 
can not be effected until the position is changed, without danger 
to the mother and certain destruction to the calf. The best plan 
is to attach a cord, or the slip-nooses, to each fore-leg, which are 
then to be forced back into the uterus. The head must then be 
sought for, and constant pressure exerted on the same until it is 
sent forward far enough to enable the operator to release it from 
the brim of the pelvis, and guide it into the vaginal outlet. A 
noose may then be slipped over the lower jaw; then traction on 
it and those of the fore-legs will accomplish the delivery. 

If the calf is dead I should use the embryotomy hook in pref- 
erence to the noose ; but, in view of saving the calf, the latter is 
the safest. Some care, however, is necessary in drawing out the 
fore- feet, lest the points of the hoofs lacerate the vagina. While 
the assistants are drawing steadily on the cords, the operator 
should give them a lateral action, from side to side, and upward 
and downward. This is far better than pulling persistently in 
one direction, for it tends to loosen and alter the position of im- 
pacted parts. 



494 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

One Foee-leg Presenting. 

This is also a common occurrence, and, if seen early, the de- 
livery may be safely effected by attaching the noose to the pro- 
truded leg. This is to be pushed back, the other sought for and 
secured in the same manner, and again to be returned. The head 
must then be properly placed, the legs drawn outward, and the 
delivery may be accomplished with every prospect of bringing 
forth a live calf. 

Head Presenting without the Legs. 

In a case of this character, it is evident that the legs are doubled 
up within the vagina and uterus, and, unless attended to early, the 
calf will be dead ; therefore, in order to save time and trouble, I 
should decapitate the calf, which is done as follows: Make a cir- 
cular incision around the neck through the integuments ; then cut 
down in a region between the first and second cervical vertebra?, 
and sever the capsular ligaments and spinal marrow. A person 
not expert in these matters will probably succeed better in de- 
taching the head at this point than at the base of the cranium. 
Before the neck is returned, the embryotomy hooks should be in- 
serted into it, and the blades secured by tying the cord which 
passes through them. Having pushed back the neck, I run my 
hand along one limb at a time, and find the hoofs. These are 
brought forward and noosed. Traction now being made on the 
three cords, the delivery is secured. 

Supposing the calf to be alive, I proceed as follows: A noose 
is affixed to the lower jaw; the head is then pushed back as far 
as it can be got; the fore-legs are then to be brought into posi- 
tion as above described, after which the calf is readily brought 
away. Some difficulty may be experienced in extracting the hind 
parts. If they require much force in extraction, the probabilities 
are that the pelvis of the foetus is impacted in that of the cow. 
The long diameter of the pelvis is crosswise of the body, so that, 
if the calf be in a position that opposes its long pelvic diameter 
to the short one of the mother, it must be pushed back a few 
inches, and turned, so that its feet shall be downward, in a line 
with the cow's limbs. 

It is very important that the calf should be in the right posi- 



PARTURITION. 495 

tion as regards the diameter of the pelvis, for many valuable cows 
are ruined by the violent means used in the extraction of the hind 
parts when in a faulty position. A little tact in securing a right 
position for the exit of the calf would save a vast amount of 
unnecessary and cruel traction, which in our rural districts, where 
veterinary surgeons are not to be found, is too often employed. 

Extraction of a Calf on its Back, Hind Legs 
Presenting. 

Some persons have an idea that when a wrong presentation of 
this kind takes place the calf may be turned. This is an impos- 
sibility, and it is only a waste of time and a feat of ignorance to 
even attempt it. The calf must be extracted in the manner of pre- 
sentation. The traction, however, should be made in a direction 
toward the bones of the coccygis, or tail. In the early stages of 
this kind of parturition, the back rests on the belly of the mother, 
and the feet come in contact with her spine. If my services were 
sought at this' early period, I should endeavor to bring the feet 
down, one at a time, and noose them, and proceed to deliver with- 
out making any futile attempts to change the position of the calf. 
In a case of this character, which occurred in my practice a short 
time ago, I found it impossible (the cow being down) to dislodge 
the feet from the spinal region. I therefore procured a double 
and single block tackle, and fastened it to a beam which ran 
across the barn ; the hind extremities were then attached to the 
single block by means of straps, and in this way the posterior 
parts were elevated. The consequence was, that the whole foetal 
apparatus receded into the abdominal cavity, the feet were dis- 
lodged from the spine, and I had the satisfaction of delivering the 
animal of a live calf. 

The following case is related by Surgeon Cartwright, in the 
" Veterinarian : " 

" On the 30th of April, 1850, Mr. came for me to see a 

cow, four years old, that could not calve, as, in a former instance, 
another celebrated man at such work had been in attendance on 
her, but, from the state of the os uteri, was fairly frightened 
from making an attempt to remove it, as, he said, 'an operation ' 
must be performed on it. I found her well off at the hips, and 
about the vulva well relaxed. On introducing my hand into the 



496 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

vagina, I ascertained that the os uteri was dilated to about five 
inches in diameter, in an apparent rigid state. On passing my 
hand through the os uteri, I found that the calf lay on its back. 
The hind feet could be felt, but they were doubled up at the fet- 
locks, and pressed against the rectum and inside of the upper por- 
tion of the os uteri. In consequence of the calf lying on its back, 
and its feet being doubled up, the latter was not forced into the 
os uteri, from which cause the os uteri could not be dilated for the 
cow to calve. I immediately got one of the legs straight, brought 
it forward into the vagina, and passed a cord around it, and then 
served the other the same. Afterward we used gradual traction 
to the feet, until the os uteri was fully dilated, and, in the course 
of an hour, we removed a live calf, which, together with the cow, 
did well. I fear such cases as these may induce persons to divide 
the os uteri, thinking it in a scirrhous state. In a fortnight after, 
this person had an exactly similar case; but, from using gross 
force, they burst open the pelvis somewhere, and the consequence 
was, the cow was obliged to be destroyed." 

Breech Presentation. 

A presentation of this kind is generally attended with difficulty 
and danger. The difficulties depend, however, somewhat on the 
length of time which has elapsed since the commencement of the 
labor. If it be recent, there is some hope for both mother and 
calf, but in a protracted case there is little hope for the mother; 
and one reason is, the vagina or uterus is often injured or rup-. 
tured by the struggles of the foetus in trying to free itself from its 
uncomfortable position. Then, again, the uterus has contracted 
upon the foetus so as almost to imprison it, at least forcing and 
impacting it within the cavity of the pelvis, so that the little ani- 
mal is almost immovable. Let a person unacquainted with bo- 
vine midwifery introduce his hand and arm in a case of this char- 
acter, and he will be astonished at the amount of force it will 
require to thread his hand between the foetus and pelvis; and 
after accomplishing his object, the hand and arm become so be- 
numbed by the pressure that he can not accomplish much, if any 
thing, until he can succeed in forcing the foetus forward, which, 
in some cases, when uterine action is strong, can not be effected 
without elevating the posterior parts of the cow by means of a 



PARTURITION. 497 

hoisting tackle. It requires a person with a long arm to be of 
much service in a case of this kind, for the limbs are extended a 
long distance into the abdomen. A breach presentation is very 
readily detected by the presence of the calf 's tail, which occasions- 
ally hangs out of the vagina. 

The mode of extracting the foetus when the breech presents is 
as follows : Pressure must be made upon the buttocks of the calf 
in the interim of labor pains. Having succeeded in pushing the 
calf forward, the hocks may possibly be reached; afterward the 
feet. These are to be brought into the vaginal passage; then, by 
traction, and altering the position of the calf, if necessary, the 
delivery is completed. Should it be found impossible to push the 
foetus forward, I should lose no time in raising the hind-quarters 
of the cow by means of hoisting apparatus, which most farmers 
have on hand. In order to avoid hurting or injuring the cow's 
limbs when hoisting the hind parts from the ground, I encircle 
the legs, just above the fetlock, with some old gunny bag, or 
something of the sort ; then affix a strap to each leg, into which 
the tackle must be hooked. The cow is, of course, raised from 
the floor, belly upward. 

Cleansing, or Removal op the After-birth. 

After the delivery, the after-birth should be detached, if pos- 
sible; for, if it be allowed to occupy the uterus, the latter contracts 
upon it, and there it may remain for a week or more, and, at last, 
come away a mass of putridity — not, however, before the cow has 
suffered some derangement of health. So soon as the calf is born, 
I introduce my hand, and pull, in various directions, on the um- 
bilical cord. Failing to bring the placenta away, I introduce my 
whole arm, and carefully detach the now foreign body from the 
cotyledons of the uterus. The uterus shortly afterward contracts, 
and thus effectually prevents uterine hemorrhage. 

It has been my universal custom, of late, to remove the placenta 
immediately after the birth of the calf, and I do so because I con- 
sider it unwise to allow it to remain ; for the labor is not then 
completed. No practitioner of midwifery in human medicine 
would ever deem it proper to leave his patient until the "after- 
birth" was removed, for it would, most undoubtedly, endanger 
the mother's life if it were left to rot away, as is too often the case 
32 



498 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

with the poor uncomplaining cow. In the removal of the placenta, 
I am careful not to pull too hard on the umbilical cord, lest in- 
version of the uterus ensue. A little tact and patience will often 
accomplish wonders. The placenta may be detached from the 
cotyledons, and yet can not be drawn away. The probability is 
that some irregular contraction of the uterus retains it. Now we 

'st exercise a little patience, and then introduce the arm and 
-el for the seat of contraction. This can probably be dilated by 
the fingers, and then the placenta may easily be removed. 

In cases of protracted labor, when the cow is much exhausted, 
the placenta may remain in the uncontracted uterus for want of 
muscular power in the same to expel it. In such a case I should 
give the cow about a quart of ginger tea, and if any tympany of 
the intestines exist, I should add a small quantity of carbonate of 
soda. 

The absurd practice of attaching a weight to the membranes, or 
rolling them on a stick, as heretofore recommended, is not in ac- 
cordance with my views of an enlightened system of practice. To 
say the least, it is unscientific, and presents an unsightly appear- 
ance. The odor which arises from the putrid mass, in the course 
of a few days, is enough to sicken a dog, and no doubt it does 
sicken pregnant cows, and may induce abortion. The membranes 
must be removed. 

The abominable practice of allowing the cow to devour the 
after-birth is much to be deplored. I know the custom has the 
sanction of long usage, but that, in my opinion, is no argument in 
its favor. The cow is not a cannibal nor a carniverous animal, 
yet, for the sake of getting rid of an unsightly and filthy mass of 
carrion, which ought to have been removed from her sight, she is 
tempted, and finally does devour it. She may, however, some- 
times be led to devour the placenta and foetal membranes through 
the promptings of a morbid appetite. The best and safest way 
to dispose of the after-birth is to burn it, for the odor arising 
from it under the process of decomposition has a bad eifect on 
pregnant cows of a highly imaginative and nervous temperament, 
and the odoriferous morbid germ is more active in warm than cold 
weather. 



parturition. 499 

Back of the Calf presenting at the Brim of the 

Pelvis. 

This unfortunate presentation is one of rare occurrence. I never 
saw but one case, and that I now propose to introduce for the 
instruction of my readers. I was called, a short time ago, to visit 

a cow, the property of Mr. R , of Winchester. The animal 

had been in labor, with strong parturient pains, for twelve hours. 
In the mean time several persons had tried their skill on the poor 
brute, without doing the least good. At the time of my visit, she 
was in a deplorable condition. Her ears, horns, and extremities 
were icy cold ; she was delirious, throwing her head about in a 
reckless manner, as if in convulsions ; the vaginal lips were very 
much tumefied, their lining membrane being highly inflamed. I 
immediately gave her a good drench of stimulating medicine, 
which appeared to have a good effect in restoring warmth on the 
external surface and in the extremities. On making an examina- 
tion, I discovered that the back or spinal column of the foetus was 
firmly impacted within the brim of the pelvis ; consequently every 
uterine effort to expel the same was only making matters worse. 
I employed all the usual means to change the position of the calf 
to no purpose. Finally, I proposed an operation, to which the 
owner consented. I now etherized the cow, turned her on her 
left side, and made an incision through the right flank, beginning 
at a point two inches beneath the transverse processes of the lum- 
bar vertebra, mid-distance of the last rib and anterior spine of the 
pelvis. The length of the incision was about ten inches. I then 
divided the muscles in this region known as the transversalis, 
external and internal oblique. Having thus exposed the perito- 
neum, I punctured it, and, by means of a probe-pointed bistoury, 
dilated it to the extent of the external incision. I then made an 
incision through the uterus, .disemboweled the calf, so as to reduce 
its bulk, and, finally, removed the heart and lungs; yet I could 
not extract the carcass (which was of extraordinary size). I there- 
fore made a section of the spinal column, and removed the foetus 
in halves; then took away the placenta, and removed all fluids 
by means of a sponge. The incision was properly sutured, and, 
after a short period, the cow got up and partook of a bran-mash. 
Twenty-four hours after the operation the cow died. This proba- 
bly occurred from the exhausted condition of the animal at the 



500 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

period of operating. When nothing except an operation of this 
kind can save the mother, I recommend that it be performed early, 
so that there shall be vitality enough in the system to bear up 
against it. 

Uterine Hemorrhage. 

Uterine hemorrhage is known, in common parlance, as flooding 
from the womb. Occasionally it does occur as a sequel of forcible 
extraction of the calf, followed by an unwarrantable harshness in 
extracting the placenta and its membranes from the uterine coty- 
ledans. The best plan of arresting this kind of hemorrhage is to 
drench the cow with two ounces of tincture of matico, and then 
encircle the body, in the region of the small of the back, with a 
cold-water bandage. The object, in a case of this kind, is to in- 
duce contraction of the uterus, for, when once contracted, the flood- 
ing will soon cease. 

Birth of Twins. 

There are many cases on record of cows giving birth to twins, 
and even triplets, without manual assistance ; yet occasionally, in 
consequence of two presenting in the passage at once, some .assist- 
ance is needed. When called to a case of this character, the object 
should be to ascertain if the parts presenting belong to one or two 
calves. If the latter be the case, one must be pushed back and 
the other advanced ; for they can not both be born at once without 
periling the life of the mother. 

Triplets. 

Three years ago I visited Keene, N. H., on the occasion of the 
State Fair, and saw a cow of native breed, the property of Mr. 
Aldrich. I learned that at two previous births she had brought 
forth twins, and now was the mother of three at one birth. These 
were milk-white, and a perfect counterpart of each other. I un- 
derstood Mr. Aldrich to say that the cow had never been bred to 
the same bull, so that the plural and triple births were the result 
of a peculiarity of constitution on the part of the cow. This re- 
markable peculiarity seems to favor the hypotheses of Pythagoras 
and Aristotle, who maintained that the female parent affords all 



PARTURITION. 501 

the materials necessary for the formation of the offspring, the office 
of the male being merely to awaken the dormant formative powers 
residing in the female ovaducts. The "ovists" further assume 
that the foetal germs already exist, with all their organs, in some 
part of the female organs of generation, and that the action of the 
male is merely that of exciting and endowing the foetus with vi- 
tality. These theories, however, appear irreconcilable with the 
phenomena of the offspring inheriting the faults and defects of 
the male. The cow alluded to never required any assistance in 
labor. This may be accounted for from the fact that the mother 
had a large pelvis, and her offspring at the time of birth were all 
small. 

But here are two other remarkable cases, as related by Mr. 
Gamgee, in his translations : 

"The subject of this notice had been delivered of her first calf 
in January, 1857, when two years old — a fine heifer of the Brittany 
breed, and of medium size. Soon after she was served (only once) 
by a bull of the district, and became impregnated. During gesta- 
tion the animal was healthy, walked easily, and her belly presented 
no uncommon appearance as regards size. On December 26, her 
term of gestation having closed with little pain or expulsive efforts, 
she gave birth, in a very few minutes, to two calves (male and fe- 
male), the first being in the normal position, the last having the 
posterior limbs presented first. At the same time the foetal envel- 
opes of the calves came away. 

During delivery the cow showed no suffering, and would eat 
and drink as usual. Shortly after, the attendants perceived, be- 
tween the lips of the vulva, two white, soft tumors, which they 
took for inverted uterus, and at once hastened for the cow-doctor. 
Meanwhile, a neighbor, thinking he recognized in them the water- 
bags, pricked them, and, on the escape of the water, another calf 
was seen, with a natural presentation, which, was soon delivered 
by the efforts of the mother. This was immediately followed by 
a fourth, which was also easily expelled. These two last — the 
first a female, the last a male — died in a few seconds, though, 
doubtless, had the liquor amnii been at once evacuated, both 
might have survived, as they were even stronger than the two 
first. They were very fat, and weighed, when given to the 
butcher, 25 kilogrammes each. 

" The cow which has shown such remarkable fecundity (five 



502 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

calves in one year) has all along preserved the most perfect 
health." 

Remarkable Fecundation in a Cow. — Mr. M. B. Forbes sent the 
London " Veterinarian " the following particulars relating to the 
birth of five calves at one time : " A cow of the short-horned breed, 
six years old, the property of Mr. Richard Knight, farmer, Santon, 
about a mile from Ryegate, was safely delivered on Monday morn- 
ing, the 21st of February, three weeks before her time, of five 
calves — four bulls and one cow. Three of the calves died a few 
hours after birth, but the fourth survived until Tuesday, and the 
fifth until the following day, Wednesday." Mr. Forbes saw the 
cow on the 23d, and found her going on well. It was her third 
calving. 




SECTION XVIII. 

DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

Constriction of the Neck of the Uterus — Embryotomy — Treatment of Cows 
during Pregnancy — Symptoms of Pregnancy — Dropsy of the Womb — Puer- 
peral Fever — Falling of the Womb. 



Constriction at the Neck of the Uterus. 

OWING to some abnormal condition of the neck of the uterus, 
it is occasionally the seat of constriction. The difficulty can 
only be determined by introducing the hand into the vagina ; then, 
by bringing the fingers in contact with the mouth of the womb, it 
is found in an undilated and indurated or hardened state. Should 
the labor pains be quite strong, and no signs of relaxation appear- 
ing, I should then introduce a probe-pointed bistoury or the em- 
bryotomy knife into the neck of the uterus, and dilate the stricture, 
by making incisions into the inner border of the strictured or har- 
dened mass. This will allow of some slight dilatation, large 
enough for a bladder of foetal membrane to gain entrance. After 
this takes place, the labor will gradually progress, and, if every 
thing goes right, as the saying is, a live calf may soon be expected 
to make its appearance, and the cow may also be expected to sur- 
vive the operation. 

Embryotomy. 

The operation known among medical men as embryotomy, sig- 
nifies dismemberment of the calf within the vagina and uterus. I 
presume no man, except he be acquainted with the anatomy of the 
parts, would dare to attempt the dismemberment and disembowel- 
ment of the foetus. It is an operation, however, which has to be 
performed very often, and it has saved the lives of very many 
valuable cows ; therefore I shall try to " post " the reader on the 

(503) 



504 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

subject. The instrument used for this purpose is called an embry- 
otomy knife (see cut of instruments), and is introduced into the 
uterine cavity, concealed in the hand, so that its cutting edge shall 
not injure the genital organs of the cow. 

Mode of Operation. — Having introduced the knife within the 
uterine cavity, I run my hand along the ftetal limb to the top of the 
shoulder, if possible, and there turn the knife and send its beak 
point through the integument, and slit the same to the region of 
the knee. Here I make a circular incision of the integument 
around the knee. A slip-noose is affixed to the fetlock, and, while 
an assistant is making steady traction on the same, I loosen the 
integument from the limb ; then, by a little dexterity in the use 
of the knife, at the top of the shoulder and elsewhere, the whole 
leg is drawn away. After amputating the shoulder, I make an 
incision through the cartilages of the ribs. This exposes the whole 
of the thoracic viscera, which I remove. If the bulk of the calf 
appears to be sufficiently reduced to insure its extraction, I affix 
a noose to the remaining fore-leg, and, by traction, remove the 
carcass. The only difficulty in the way of a prompt extraction 
occurs, oftentimes, in consequence of the foetal head being bent 
round on the opposite side of the chest ; but, under ordinary cir- 
cumstances, the calf can be extracted without proceeding to disem- 
bowel or decapitate it. If, however, either of the latter operations 
will facilitate the birth of the calf, I should certainly perform one 
or the other, or both. Having extracted the whole of the fetus, 
I next remove the placenta and membranes, and then drench the 
cow with the following : 

No. 91. Fluid extract of ginger ^ oz. 

Tincture of matico 1 oz. 

Warm water 1 quart. 

This will improve the condition of the prostrate animal, and in- 
sure contraction of the uterus. The uterine expulsive power, so 
favorable to the liberation of the calf, if dormant, can readily be 
aroused by administering a stimulating drench. 

Treatment of Cows During Pregnancy. 

The cow is the only animal with which I am acquainted that 
yields milk regularly during the trying and prostrating probation 
of pregnancy. She has not only to yield milk for the profit of 



DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 505 

her owner, but she must also furnish an identical preparation for 
the nourishment of the foetus in utero. Then, again, the integrity 
of her own system requires that her digestive organs shall furnish 
enough of chyme and chyle for the manufacture of good, rich blood, 
to repair incidental and extraordinary wear and tear of her system ; 
therefore she should be well fed and cared for. Any stinting or 
miserly economy in the feeding of pregnant cows is very poor 
policy, and is a sort of starvation procedure, which can never be 
expected to pay. It is impossible for the cow to discharge these 
treble duties unless she be generously fed on nutrimental agents, 
containing the necessary equivalents. I am aware that most cows 
are too well fed, hence milk fever and other inflammatory affec- 
tions ; yet the food given to some cows in this region, such as swill, 
brewer's grains, corn-stalks, coarse, damaged hay, etc., is not suit- 
able for pregnant cows. They should have a mess of roots occa- 
sionally, and about a quart of meal night and morning, which may 
be stirred in a bucket of water, to which add a tea-spoonful of 
salt. A reasonable quantity of good, sweet hay should be allowed 
daily. This will not only keep the stomach distended to a healthy 
capacity, but will also furnish matter for remastication, by which 
process a large amount of saliva is secreted, and passes into the 
stomach, where it operates on the food therein contained as a pow- 
erful digester. 

A pregnant cow should never be confined to the cow-house, for 
want of proper exercise indices plethora, and a plethoric condition 
of the system retards the development of the foetus ; hence the cow 
is very apt to go over her time. The pregnant animal needs, and 
must have, exercise. It aids in the circulation of blood through 
her system : it brings the blood oftener in contact with aerating 
surfaces, and thus invigorates it ; in short, the whole animal econ- 
omy is benefited by exercise in the open air. If the season of the 
year admits, the cow should be sent to pasture. Here, under the 
advantages arising from pure air, natural food, etc., she will get in 
fine condition, so that when the period of calving arrives she will 
be strong and vigorous, and can bring forth a healthy calf. It 
must be borne in mind, however, that the petted, stall-fed cow is 
not a safe subject to leave in the pasture at night. The cold, damp 
ground and air are apt to derange her health ; therefore she should 
be housed at night and on stormy days. 

As regards milking the animal during pregnancy, it must de- 



506 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

pend on circumstances. A cow in good condition may be milked 
longer than a poor one, and the poor, overmilked animal must 
" go dry," as the saying is, for a couple of months prior to calving. 
Should a pregnant animal yield milk up to within a fortnight of 
calving, she should have a few bran-mashes, and the daily quan- 
tity of food and drink must be diminished. She should also have 
free access to salt, and occasionally a table-spoonful or so of phos- 
phate of lime may be sprinkled over her fodder. 

Symptoms op Pregnancy. 

A cow in healthy condition will be in heat (a state of menstru- 
ation) about once a month. This lasts for a period of four days, 
more or less. About three or four months after conception has 
taken place, the belly is enlarged, and, on making pressure on the 
right flank, the motions of a live foetus can be distinctly felt. 
Pregnancy may be determined earlier than this by auscultation 
(the art of diagnosis by listening to the sounds of the heart). The 
beating of the fcetal heart can be distinctly heard. The ear should 
be applied to the right flank. 

Dropsy op the Womb. 

This affection generally prevails among aged cows, in the latter 
period of pregnancy. The causes of jt are, perhaps obscure ; yet 
it may be attributable, like other dropsies, to a debilitated condi- 
tion of the system, and an impoverished state of the blood. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms noticed in this affection are as fol- 
lows : An unhealthy and debilitated state of the animal ; visible 
membranes, pale and watery ; a pendulous and much enlarged con- 
dition of the abdomen; spinal column, curved in a downward 
direction ; and the animal, when down, is observed to rise with 
difficulty. 

Treatment. — It often happens that in dropsy of the uterus, the 
walls of the abdomen are ruptured, and the fluid escapes into the 
cellular tissue beneath the common integuments. This is readily 
detected by an unnatural tumefaction, or swelling, in some part 
of the abdominal region. My usual practice in a case of this char- 
acter is to puncture the integument, and allow the fluid to escape. 
I then direct that the animal have a few doses of the following : 



DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 507 

No. 92. Fluid extract of buchu*. 1 oz. 

Powdered chlorate of potass 4 dr. 

Water , 1 pint. 

Mix. 

Give a dose of the above once or twice daily. 

Dropsy confined to the uterus is a formidable affection, because 
it requires the services of an experienced surgeon, who will, prob- 
ably, tap the dropsical membranes through the vagina; yet the 
operation is not always advisable, for it frequently results in pre- 
mature parturition. 

Puerperal Fever. 

During the past few years, very many valuable cows have died 
of "milk fever" (puerperal fever), puerperal convulsions, etc. It 
is a remarkable fact that this disease almost always attacks cows 
in high condition; hence, in view of prevention, we should en- 
deavor to guard against the accumulation of fat ; and this can be 
done by withholding meal and substituting shorts, and also by 
allowing considerable quantities of roots and grass, when they can 
be had. 

Puerperal fever is a disease of an inflammatory type. The state 
of plethora, which is observed among fine cows owned by wealthy 
individuals, who dispense provender liberally, because they hate 
to see a " poor " cow, is more likely to occur in a cow when preg- 
nant and stall-fed (from the fat of the crib) than otherwise, be- 
cause, under such management, she does not get exercise enough 
to make away with the carbonaceous material, and, therefore, it 
increases from day to day, and is harvested into the cell reservoirs, 
proving in its bulk detrimental to full and free circulation, respira- 
tion, and intestinal peristaltic action. 

The warm and impure atmosphere which the stall-fed animal is 
compelled to respire is decidedly operative in bringing about that 
condition known as plethora; therefore our object should be to 
secure a current of cool and pure air throughout the cow-stable. 
Pure and cool air is a very potent physiological, sedative, contra- 
stimulant, and, as the fat animal is in a morbid state of excitation 
from the stimulus of the food, as well as artificial atmosphere, the 
suffering creature will surely be benefited by inhaling the requisite 
amount of an uncontaminated atmosphere. 

The principal causes of puerperal fever in women are said to 



508 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

be misplaced benevolence, which benevolently (!) furnishes her 
with choice viands, rich caudles, and stimulants, in view of obvi- 
ating debility and insuring hilarity of mind. Now, the condition 
of the pregnant female being one of increased susceptibility, it 
fully demonstrates the incompatibility of using even what may 
be considered as the ordinary stimulations of health. Therefore, 
in the case of the cow, stimulating food, and an unnecessary 
amount of the same, given daily after the cow has " come to her 
growth," as the saying is, may be termed misplaced benevolence ; 
whereas, if the cow has not attained her full growth, the practice 
of feeding liberally is not objectionable, for she requires a large 
amount of nutriment to develop the various parts of her organ- 
ism, and promote the integrity of the same, and also to nourish 
the foetus in utero, and, lastly, for the purpose of furnishing the 
necessary material for the lacteal secretion. It has been noticed 
that great milkers, as .well as fat animals, are often the subjects 
of puerperal fever; and probably the suppression of the milk 
secretion, in the advanced stage of pregnancy, may be an exciting 
cause of the difficulty, yet not in all cases, for we are pretty cer- 
tain that some cows, owing to a peculiarity of constitution, are 
predisposed to puerperal hysteritis. In view, therefore, of guard- 
ing against the consequences which may occur when the animal 
is suddenly " dried up," we should be careful to diminish the 
daily allowance of food, and also feed lightly from this period up 
to that of parturition. 

Milking the cow before calving, in view of preventing puer- 
peral fever, is very mischievous, for it is apt to excite premature 
parturition. Many of the cows I have attended for the above 
complaint had been so treated. Occasionally the udder becomes 
distended to a painful degree, so that it is necessary to practice 
moderate milking, otherwise the practice is injurious. 

It is generally supposed that this disease first manifests itself 
in some parts of the tissues entering into the composition of the 
reproductive organs ; or, in other language, primary congestion 
and irritation of the womb, ending in cerebral congestion and 
convulsions. The cerebral congestion, however, is not always the 
cause of convulsions, for we have many cases on record in which 
phlebotomy was practiced on the heroic plan (an incredible amount 
of blood having been abstracted) without arresting the convul- 
sions ; hence, in such cases, congestion is the result, not the cause, 



DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 509 

of convulsions. A very eminent physician (Dr. Logan) has 
stated, as the result of observation, that puerperal convulsions 
were generally found in females of highly organized nervous sys- 
tems, and who were peculiarly susceptible to irritation of that 
system; yet our experience in this country, in cattle practice, 
confirms what we have written in the preceding part of this arti- 
cle ; namely, that puerperal convulsions are more frequent among 
fat animals ^than in those of lean condition. The theory of Dr. 
Logan may, in the main, be correct ; for a lean animal (nervous 
temperament) can, by artificial means, be brought into the condi- 
tion known as plethora. 

You att contends that " cows in high condition are most sub- 
ject to an attack of puerperal fever. Their excess of condition, 
or state of plethora, disposes them to affections of an inflammatory 
character, at all times and under all circumstances." If it shall 
prove to be the case that puerperal fever is the result of uterine 
inflammation, we should diagnose the case as puerperal hysteritis, 
and treat accordingly. Puerperal hysteritis may, however, occur 
at any period of pregnancy. 

Symptoms. — The early symptoms attending a disease of this 
character are such as are found to prevail in a disease of a febrile 
character ; namely, loss of appetite, accelerated pulse and respira- 
tion (the latter attended with strong but quick abdominal flank 
movements) ; tongue, slightly coated ; mouth, hot and clammy ; 
muzzle, dry. There is also a sort of wildness about the eyes ; the 
animal is nervous, and some unusual spasmodic twitchings of the 
muscles will generally be observed. Soon the animal grates her 
teeth, foams at the mouth, dashes her head recklessly on the floor 
(for she is now on the floor). Examine the eye at this stage, and 
the pupil will be found in an amaurotic state. The udder be- 
comes swollen, hot, and tender, and the lacteal secretion is partly 
suspended. 

The disease generally appears within a fortnight after calving, 
and it may occur within a very few hours. Its duration is very 
brief, both the curable and incurable cases terminating either one 
way or the other in a short time ; and if violent convulsions set 
in, we generally find that the patient has but little time to live. 
Especially is this the case when paraplegia be present, or paralysis 
in any form. The principal symptoms in which the diagnosis 
must be founded are as follows : We first ascertain whether or not 



510 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

the animal has, within the period of a fortnight, given birth to a 
calf. If so, and she manifests the usual symptoms of convulsions, 
(refuses to notice her calf, has lost the use, more or less, of her 
limbs, and the eyes present a wild stare, the pupils being dilated, 
and the udder swollen,) we may then safely conclude that we have 
a case of milk fever to deal with. 

Treatment. — The professional man treats the disease according 
to its indications, and the non-professional, if he attempt to treat 
a case of this character, must endeavor to do likewise. I can not 
possibly commit to paper all the necessary information, but shall 
merely lay down a few simple rules for the management of such 
cases. At the same time, I would advise the owner of the sick 
cow to secure, if possible, the services of some competent veteri- 
narian. Some practitioners recommend the abstraction of blood 
from the jugular vein, but my practice is to bleed from the bow- 
els, by administering purgative medicine. In this way the animal 
can be depleted with greater safety than by blood-letting. The 
cathartic is as follows : 

No. 93. Glauber salts 12 oz. 

Powdered ginger -| oz. 

Warm water 1 qt. 

First dissolve the salts in the above amount of water, then add 
the ginger. Drench the animal by means of a quart bottle. Take 
time to pour it down the oesophagus, and the more speedily will 
it act. If I have no faith in blood-letting, I may be said to have 
great faith in purgation ; for, as Percivall very truly observes, 
in regard to the treatment of staggers in horses, " Purge a horse 
and you cure him," so I say in regard to the treatment of puer- 
peral fever, Purge a cow and she shall be cured. The bowels 
must be made to liberate their contents. After having adminis- 
tered the medicine, the patient must be watched, and, when, she 
lies down, let her have a comfortable bed of hay ; and the attend- 
ant should occasionally sponge her head with cold water. When 
down, a good stimulating alkaline enema may be thrown into the 
rectum, composed of 

No. 94. Warm water 2 qts. 

Gringer •§• oz. 

Fine salt 2 oz. 

Supposing that, after a lapse of six or eight hours, the bowels 



PARTURITION. 511 

fail to respond to the purgative, half the quantity just recom- 
mended may be given; and perhaps it may be proper, in view of 
creating a vacuum in the rectum, to repeat the enema; for pur- 
gation once established our patient is safe; yet, in view of pro- 
ducing this very desirable result, it is not a rational procedure to 
convert the stomach into an apothecary's shop, and gorge it with 
useless drugs, as is, unfortunately, too often the case; for, by this 
means, a medicinal disease is created, which is generally more 
uncontrollable than the original one. 

In curable cases it is very rare for the above medicine to fail in 
exciting catharsis; however, such remedy is not always at hand 
(I mean the salts). The next best remedy is common table salt, 
to be substituted for the Glauber or Epsom salts. 

Other indications to be fulfilled in the Treatment of this Dis- 
ease. — The palsied limbs require attention. Let them be diligently 
rubbed with tincture of capsicum (hot drops), in view of producing 
reaction. By this means we equalize the circulation, and thus 
relieve internal congestion. Should the bowels be tympanitic, or 
distended with gas, a quart of ginger tea may be given ; and it 
may do more good if a small quantity of carbonate of soda be 
added to the same. Should the animal be thirsty, a small quan- 
tity of powdered niter may be dissolved in water or thin gruel, 
and offered to her. After the bowels have operated, the danger 
passed, a few doses of alterative medicine may be given. This is 
composed of 

No. 95. Fluid extract of sassafras 1 oz. 

Fluid extract of hops 3 dr. 

Water 1 gill. 

Mix. 

The following case, from the author's note-book, is here intro- 
duced to illustrate a new mode of treatment. The case occurred 

in a five-year old cow, the property of Mr. G , of Maiden, 

Mass. The animal gave birth, without assistance, to a healthy 
male calf. The birth took place during the night-time, at pas- 
ture, the weather being rather tempestuous. Three days after 
parturition, the cow showed symptoms of failing health, and the 
owner, like a sensible man, instead of boring the animal's horns, 
at the suggestion of the neighbors, preferred to seek advice; 
hence my services were secured. 

The patient was down on the left side; pupils, amaurotic; 



512 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

pulse, scarcely perceptible ; respiration, of a stertorous character, 
and accelerated; surface of the body, comfortably warm; visible 
surfaces, of a leaden hue; abdomen, slightly tympanitic. The 
animal occasionally turned its head toward the costal region, and 
returned it recklessly to the floor ; mamma, tumefied and hot ; in- 
ternal surface of the labia pudendi, inflamed. The patient takes 
no notice of its offspring. Applied counter-irritants to the spinal 
and pectoral regions, and then applied sulphuric ether to the 
nostrils. The object in administering sulphuric ether was to 
diminish the reflex excitability of the nervous system, and so cut 
short the convulsive paroxysms. The ether appeared to prove 
invaluable ; for, soon after its administration, the animal appeared 
calm, tranquil, and rational, and soon began to take notice of its 
offspring. I then administered table salt, eight ounces; water, 
one pint. Flannels, saturated with infusion of hops, were now 
applied to the mamma, and renewed occasionally. In the course 
of thirty-six hours after the administration of the ether, the pa- 
tient was standing up, nursing her offspring, and, at the same 
time, partook of a bran-mash. The following three days, the pa- 
tient got two drachms of fluid extract of chamomile flowers per 
diem, and was then turned out to grass, and did very well. 

Remarks on the Preceding Case. — The treatment of puerperal 
fever, in bygone days, is a disgrace to what has been considered 
as a " learned profession." It is a very unfortunate circumstance 
that such learned men as Ramsbotham, Churchill, Meigs, and 
other equally distinguished midwifarians, should contend that 
" the lancet is our sheet-anchor in puerperal convulsions." They 
inform the world of medical non-thinkers that the daring use of 
" the lancet is demanded ; " that " the lancet is our sheet-anchor ; " 
that "blood must be taken largely;" yet a great proportion of 
their patients thus treated prematurely pay the debt of Nature 
secundum artem. What a libel on a "learned profession" is this 
state of affairs! And, unfortunately, the distinguished French 
surgeon Cazeaux has indorsed the reckless tactics of Eng- 
land's universally wretched practice; namely, "sanguine emis- 
sions." Now, I contend that the routine practice of the acknowl- 
edged authorities will not stand the test of modern medical logic ; 
that it is contrary to all demonstrative experience, and, therefore, 
should receive the seal of oblivious antiquity, never to be reacted 
or countenanced by sensible men. The old school heretics are 



PARTURITION. 513 

great sticklers for the support of their tottering fabric — namely, 
" that fever and inflammation must be subdued " — and they com- 
mit outrages on the physiological laws of animality by instituting 
a series of manipulations, redolent of the aroma, acceptable to the 
god of pathology, whom they worship with the spontaneous faith 
of a new convert. 



Falling (or Inversion) of the Womb. 

This sad accident is generally occasioned by extra uterine ex- 
pulsive action, at the moment of the birth of the calf, aided by 
adhesions of the placenta to the cotyledons, by which means, in 
the process of delivery, the uterus is actually turned inside out. 
The relaxation of the ligaments, which ordinarily confine the 




FALLING OF THE WOMB. 



Explanation.— Pig. 1, Pudendum ; 2 6, Region of the neck of the womb; 3, Vagina; 4, The 
cotyledons of glands of the uterus ; 5, Body of the womb turned inside out. 

uterus to the pelvic cavity, may be one among the various causes 
which tend to induce inversion. The accident, so far as my ex- 
perience goes, is apt to occur in animals of an inferior class, coarse 
and flabbily organized, and among others in a debilitated condi- 
tion. The only way to prevent a recurrence of inversion is to 
spay the cow. 

Treatment. — The old method of introducing the arm, in order 
to force back the protruded parts, is now superseded by a bulbous 
rod of iron, which must be applied to the fundus or base of the 
33 



514 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

womb. A due amount of pressure being steadily made, an assist- 
ant manipulates the sides, and the womb is re-inverted. Some- 
times it is very difficult to get the womb back, in consequence of 
latent uterine action, which convulsively resists our efforts, and 
violently sends it out again at the moment of return. Should 
the convulsive action of the uterus continue any great length of 
time, I should etherize the animal, and, when fully under its in- 
fluence, the reduction may again be attempted, and probably con- 
summated. The instrument should be kept in the womb for 
some time after reduction, so as to give the muscular fibers of its 
walls time enough to contract ; and it may be necessary to have a 
man in attendance for a whole day or more, in view of accom- 
plishing this result. 

So soon as the reduction is complete, I should sponge the loins 
often with cold water ; or a better plan, perhaps, would be to pack 
the loins, after the fashion of hydropathy. The loins and abdo- 
men will, by this method, receive considerable support, which will 
be favorable to induce contractile power in the uterus. 

Sometimes the presence of the bulbous instrument in the uterus, 
after reduction, tends to keep up the after-pains, or expulsive ac- 
tion, and if so, it must be removed, previous to which, however, 
some stout tape should be sent through the thick skin in the re- 
gion of the prominences found on each side of the vaginal outlet, 
known as the tuberosity of the ischium. This is a much better 
plan than that of stitching the vaginal lips. After removing the 
instrument, a pad may be placed on the lips of the vagina ; then 
tie the tape sutures moderately tight. Two sutures will answer, 
and they can be allowed to remain until all danger of re-inversion 
has passed. The animal should be placed in a situation where the 
hind parts can be elevated a few inches. 

The following cases appear interesting enough to obtain a 
space in this work, and I recommend them to the reader's perusal. 
They occurred in the practice of Surgeon Young husband : 

"On the morning of the 3d of January, 1850, I was sent for, 
in great haste, to attend a cow that three days before had calved, 
and, apparently, up to this time, had done well ; but on that 
morning, on the cow-keeper attending as usual, he found the cow 
down, and the whole of the uterus protruding through the vagina. 
On my arrival, I found her as described, with the uterus in a most 
loathsome state, from being suffered to remain unprotected among 



PARTURITION. 515 

the dung and urine of the cow-house, and also the placental mem- 
branes adherent. Plenty of assistance being at hand, we had her 
up, well-raised her hind parts, and in that position secured her, so 
that she could not well slip down again. Having carefully de- 
tached the placenta, I next proceeded to cleanse the parts by 
washing them with a mixture of weak spirit and water. Hav- 
ing accomplished this, I proceeded to return the part; but, on 
minutely examining that viscus, before attempting its replace- 
ment, I discovered in it a large rent, through which I easily in- 
troduced my hand ; and, for the better satisfaction of the owner, 
I caused one of the bystanders to do the same, to show them that 
it was not through any mismanagement of mine that this unto- 
ward accident had taken place; for, in my belief, another cow 
had trod upon it while she was down, and thus done the mischief. 
After this, I effected its return without much difficulty. Judging 
that I had got all the part into a right position, etc., I made an 
attempt to withdraw my arm ; but, in doing this, the cow imme- 
diately began to strain with such violence that it was not without 
the greatest difficulty that I could retain the part in statu quo. 
But, by a fortunate slip, her anterior parts were brought so near 
the ground that I now easily accomplished that which, for a length 
of time, I had found the greatest difficulty in attempting to do ; 
namely, getting the part into a right position, retaining it there, 
and withdrawing my arm without difficulty. The cow now 
straining very little or none, I applied the usual means of pre- 
vention, gave an anodyne, had her set up from the awkward 
position into which she had got, and waited to see the result. I 
retreated for a short time, leaving a watch, in case any thing 
untoward should again take place. On my return, I found her 
still up, attended with no bad symptoms, very little straining, 
and appearing to be more comfortable than her situation would 
warrant. She was now offered a little food, of which she seemed 
to partake freely. Still, I warned the owner of the danger, and 
told him I had not the slightest hope of her recovery. To be 
brief, from that time she had a little fever medicine occasionally, 
and I paid her a few visits, still finding her apparently improv- 
ing, and on my last visit, on the 10th, found her in so favorable 
a situation that I told the owner that, being at a great distance, 
unless I heard more from him, I would discontinue my attend- 
ance ; nor had I more occasion to repeat them. The cow did well, 



516 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

and has since had two more calves, without needing any of my 
assistance. 

The second case was that of a cow belonging to Mr. T. Monk- 
house, of Moredale, in my neighborhood, which calved appar- 
ently with the greatest ease, showing no signs of particular 
uneasiness; but, on paying her a visit, he found her with the 
uterus protruded and the placenta attached. They immediately 
secured the part, so as it might receive little or no injury from 
the contact of foreign bodies. In the mean time, a messenger 
was dispatched for me. Being at home, I was not long in being 
at my post. After having her put in a position which I con- 
sidered favorable, I proceeded to detach the placenta, which was 
easily done, and the part being free from dirt, was soon ready for 
returning, which, from the diluted state of the parts of genera- 
tion, was, of all cases I ever had, the most easily accomplished. 
But mark the sequel. When I imagined I had made all right, 
the cow, appearing to suffer very little from the effects of the op- 
eration, was let up from her situation, and I had withdrawn my 
arm, when, behold, a portion of the small intestine made its ap- 
pearance through the vulva! Judge of my consternation now, 
having no cause to fear such an untoward act. I told the owner 
how the case stood, and frankly confessed my ignorance of its 
cause. I now proceeded to find out the rent in the uterus, which 
I soon did, it being in its posterior part, and, without much diffi- 
culty, got the intestine returned. My next aim was to cause as 
much contraction of the uterus as I could, so as to bring the 
divided edges of the organ together. This I did by the appli- 
cation of camphorated tincture of opium, and which, I am proud 
to say, soon gave me the required satisfaction — so much so, in- 
deed, that before I withdrew my arm the laceration was scarcely 
distinguishable to the touch. The cow, in this case, appearing in 
so easy a state, no truss was applied the first night, but a person 
stayed with her, if possible to prevent future ills. Now, I must 
say, of all cows, this one has gone on most favorably. To give a 
description of her treatment would be a waste of time and paper, 
since as to the medical treatment it amounted almost to nothing. 
Careful nursing, with a few solitary doses of medicine, constituted 
the whole." 



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SECTION XIX. 

DISEASES OF THE UDDER, TEATS, ETC. 

Mammitis — Stricture in Cows' Teats — -Obstruction at the end of the Teats — 
Obstruction in the Teats — Tumors in the Teats — Injuries to the Teats — 
Sore Teats — Chapped Teats and Chafed Udder — Inversion of the Vagina 
— Laceration of the Vagina — Abortion — Inflammatory Affections of the 
Hind Limbs after Calving. 



Mammitis. 

MAMMITIS signifies inflammation of the udder. It usually 
consists of tumefaction, attended with heat and pain, and 
generally sets in shortly after calving. The treatment of this af- 
fection should be antiphlogistic. Let the animal have a full dose 
of Glauber salts, and apply a refrigerating lotion to the udder 
(cold water will answer), in view of reducing the temperature of 
the same. In this state of the udder scarcely any milk flows, and 
what comes is often bloody. Soon an entire obstruction takes 
place, or nothing but a watery secretion can be got away. Next, 
the udder hardens in places, abscesses form, and then the secretory 
function of one or more quarters is destroyed. The animal now 
has the " garget," and ten chances to one if the part or parts are 
ever restored. The only way to prevent garget is to let the calf 
suck immediately after it is born, or else introduce a tube into one 
or more of the teats, and thus evacuate the milk ere it coagulates. 
Symptoms. — The disease, at its commencement, invariably con- 
sists of an inflamed condition of the mamma, or " bag," character- 
ized by pain, heat, swelling, and more or less febrile symptoms. 
It is precisely the same disease which many nursing women are 
prone to and suifer from, and its terminations, when not arrested 
in the early stage, are exactly the same ; namely, suppuration, form- 
ation of an abscess, induration, or hardening of the walls of the 

(517) 



518 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

bag. In the human female the suppurative stage is known to 
nurses as " broken breast ;" and the state of induration or harden- 
ing which follows, or may exist independent of an abscess, is com- 
monly called " caked " breast ; hence the term caked udder. Such 
is the character of this disease as it occurs among cows in the 
United States. In Europe it occasionally assumes a more malig- 
nant form, and it often becomes necessary to extirpate the whole 
gland. 

Treatment. — ^The disease should be attended to in its early stage, 
and the milk must be evacuated, so that it shall not accumulate 
nor coagulate. In order to do this, a metallic tube may be inserted 
into the teat, and allowed to remain there, so that the milk shall 
flow as fast as it is secreted. The inflamed part must be bathed 
with cold water several times during the day, to which add a few 
drops of tincture of arnica, and, if the part be very painful, an in- 
fusion of hops may be used. Afterward anoint the parts with a 
small quantity of glycerine. The animal must be kept on a very 
light diet (scalded shorts are good) ; and if she be fat, or the least 
constipation of bowels exist, I should give one pound of Epsom 
salts, dissolved in warm water, to which may be added a small 
quantity of molasses and a tea-spoonful of ginger. 

Supposing the case to be in the suppurative stage, and it is evi- 
dent that pus or " matter h is forming within the " bag," or its 
walls, it may be poulticed with flaxseed, or rubbed twice daily 
with some stimulating liniment — say linseed oil, two ounces; 
spirits of hartshorn, one drachm. So soon as the matter burrows 
to the surface, and a soft spot can be detected, it should have a 
free opening made into it, by means of a "thumb-lancet. The 
matter must then be squeezed out, and into the cavity syringe 
some salt and water, or a little tincture of aloes. In the suppu- 
rative stage I generally order a generous diet. 

In the indurated stage, the treatment consists in exciting ab- 
sorption of the parts ; and in this view I recommend iodide of 
potassium, known as " hydriodate of potassa." It is one of the 
most efficient remedies for the absorption of abnormal growths 
that I have ever used, and it is highly recommended in our text- 
books by men well acquainted with its modus operandi. The dose 
of hydriodate of potassa is twenty grains per day, to be pulverized 
and dissolved in water. Being inodorous and almost tasteless, 
there is no trouble about the patient drinking it. The medicine 



DISEASES OF THE UDDER, TEATS, ETC. 519 

may be continued until the enlargement disappears, when the 
dose may be gradually lessened. If I were called upon to treat 
a chronic case of long standing, I should, in addition to the above, 
besmear the parts daily with a portion of the following : 

No. 96. Iodide of potassium 1 dr. 

Glycerine 7 dr. 

Mix. 



Stricture in Cows' Teats. 

I was lately consulted in reference to the case of a very valu- 
able imported cow, that had obstruction in the off posterior teat. 
She had given birth, about a week previous, to twin calves. The 
obstruction appeared to be located about half way up the teat. I 
fomented the parts with an infusion of lobelia, after which the 
tube was easily introduced. 

Obstruction at the Ends of the Teats. 

It occasionally happens that a fungous or warty excrescence 
makes its appearance at the end and center of the teat, which ob- 
structs the flow of milk, and is very annoying and painful to the 
animal. This should be removed by the scalpel, taking care to 
dissect away every portion of the morbid growth. The part is 
then to be sprinkled with powdered bloodroot, in order to prevent 
union of the edges of the outlet of the teat. The milk-tube, well- 
oiled, must now and then be introduced. 

Obstruction in the Teats. 

A simple obstruction in the teats is frequently occasioned by 
imperfect union in the lining membrane. 

Treatment. — This is easily remedied by introducing a tube con- 
structed for the purpose, which should be well lubricated with 
olive oil, and allowed to remain in the lactiferous channel for 
several hours daily, or until all danger of readhesion has passed 
away. The lactiferous outlet is sometimes obstructed by false 
membranes running across its channel. These must be annihi- 
lated by the introduction of the tube. 



520 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



Tumors in the Teats. 

Tumors are occasionally found in the teats. Their presence 
is determined by bulbous enlargement, which, on manipulation, 
appear very evident. 

Treatment. — The method of operation in such cases is to intro- 
duce a tube, well smeared with iodine ointment, and repeat the 
operation, two or three times daily, until the milk passes freely. 

Injuries to the Teats. 

I have met with several cases of injury to the teats in the form 
of an incision, which occurred accidentally on the animal rising 
from the ground, cutting or lacerating the same with its own hoofs. 

Treatment. — When the accident is discovered shortly after it 
happens, the parts may be brought together by uninterrupted 
suture. The seam is then coated with collodion, and the milk 
must be evacuated wholly by the tube until the parts have united. 
Sometimes the union is not complete, but a small fistulous opening 
is left, through which the milk is constantly dribbling. The only 
way to remedy this is to convert the fistula into a simple flesh- 
wound. This is done by means of a sharp-pointed knife, which 
removes the thin callus forming the interior of the fistula. The 
raw edges are then to be brought together by suture, and collo- 
dion and the tube used, as before. 

Sore Teats. 

Treatment. — First, wash with warm water and castile soap ; then 
lubricate the parts with equal portions of lime-water and linseed 
oil. 

Chapped Teats and Chafed Udder. 

Treatment. — Foment the parts daily with an infusion of chamo- 
mile flowers for at least fifteen minutes at a time ; then wipe dry, 
and use the lime liniment. Thes.e temporary, or what might, 
with more propriety, be termed local maladies, will, if the system 
be free from morbid matter, generally yield to local remedies. If, 
however, no change for the better can be observed, the following 
aperient should be given : 



DISEASES OF THE UD.DER, TEATS, ETC. 521 

No. 97. Fluid extract of golden seal 3 dr. 

Powdered mandrake ^ oz. 

Powdered ginger . . 1 tea-spoonful. 

Dissolve in warm water, one quart, and drench the animal with 
the same. In the event of the above remedies failing to give relief, 
anoint the parts twice daily with a compound composed of glyce- 
rine, four ounces, and fine elm flour enough to form a thin paste. 



Inversion of the Yagina. 

Inversion of the vagina generally occurs in the latter months 
of pregnancy, at a time when the digestive organs are somewhat 
impaired, either actually or sympathetically. In either condition 
the food is very apt to be imperfectly remasticated, and ferments. 
This gives rise to the formation of gas within the alimentary canal, 
and occasions tumefaction of the compartments of the stomach and 
large intestines. In this state they take up more room than can 
be spared for their occupancy ; hence the pressure in a posterior 
direction, which forces the vagina out of its location. 

Treatment. — When this difficulty occurs in a cow on the eve of 
parturition, there will be some danger of inversion of the uterus, 
unless the reduction is effected before delivery ; therefore I should 
endeavor to make room in the abdominal cavity, by putting a stop 
to the fermentation which is going on in the stomach. In this 
view, I recommend that the animal have the following drench : 

No. 98. Hyposulphite of soda 1 oz. 

Powdered golden seal 4 dr. 

Water 1 qt. 

Mix. 

Having administered this drench, procure a soft sponge, and 
foment the part (if it be much inflamed and painful) with a tepid 
infusion of hops. If the inversion be of recent origin, and not 
much congested, cold water may be used instead. After awhile 
pressure and manipulation may accomplish the reduction ; yet it 
is apt to reappear, and continue to do so until the animal has got 
rid of her burden. The reduction, however, must be effected, if 
possible, every time the protrusion makes its appearance, or the 
cow will suffer from retention of urine. 

It is very evident to me that very many cases of inversion of 
the vagina are caused by indigestion ; therefore great care should 



522 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

be exercised in the feeding of cows during the last months of 
pregnancy. 

Laceration of the Yagina. 

This is an accident of very frequent occurrence among cows, yet 
seldom proves fatal. It often occurs from the rough manner, 
sometimes practiced, of bringing the feet forward ; therefore great 
care is necessary in conducting an artificial labor to a successful 
termination. 

The following case of extensive laceration of the vagina of the 
cow, given by the " London Veterinarian," goes to show the po- 
tency of Nature in the cure of disease and injuries : 

" Mr. J. W. Maw, veterinary student, has sent us the following 
particulars relating to a case of willful laceration of the vagina, 
and contiguous parts of a cow : ' Mr. Crosby, who is in practice 
at Thornton Pickering, Yorkshire, as a veterinary surgeon, was 
called, a short time ago, to attend a milch cow which presented 
symptoms of colic. On his visiting her, he observed a piece of 
stick, about three inches long, protruding from the vagina, and, 
on removing it, he found that it was about a yard in length, and 
had been thrust through the vagina, and likewise the rectum, into 
the abdomen. Previous to its removal the cow did not evince 
such symptoms as one would have been led to expect in an animal 
suffering from such a severe injury. There was but little external 
hemorrhage, the symptoms, upon the whole, rather indicating that 
internal hemorrhage was going on. Anodynes were administered, 
and quietude enjoined. No inflammatory symptoms supervened, 
and, in the course of ten days or a fortnight, the animal had re- 
covered. The atrocious act is supposed to have been perpetrated 
by some gypsies, who were located near the place at the time, from 
their going, in the following morning, to beg the carcass, thinking, 
probably, that the poor animal was dead.' " 

Abortion in Cows. 

The cow is the most liable of all domestic animals to abortion, 
and those that have once been the subjects of this mishap are lia- 
ble to a recurrence of the same. Mr. Youatt, in his work on 
cattle, furnishes some very useful information on this subject ; still, 
the direct causes of abortion are, like many other enzootic ttnd epi- 



DISEASES OF THE UDDER, TEATS, ETC. 523 

zootic affections,' involved in obscurity. That it occasionally rages 
as an enzootic pest, is clearly shown by the records of the past, and 
by what occurred, a short time ago, among the dairy cows of a 
milking establishment at Concord, N. H., without mentioning 
other cases, which of late have been chronicled in our agricultural 
periodicals. 

It occasionally appears as an insolated evil. An Alderney cow, 
the property of Mr. Burnet, of Southboro, has, in the course of 
three years, aborted four times. At the time of writing this arti- 
cle my attention was called to her. I recommended that she should 
be spayed ; the owner consented, and, of course, she thereafter be- 
came a more useful animal in supporting other offspring than her 
own. I call this an isolated case, because Mr. Burnet informed 
me that his other cows had not aborted. She inherits a tendency 
to abort. 

A theory has been broached by some writer that severe winters, 
succeeded by warm springs, hilly pasturage, the practice of allow- 
ing young stock and one and two-year old bulls to run with the 
breeding cows is likely to end in abortion. This is sheer non- 
sense, and is not entitled to the least consideration; and, relying 
on the intelligence of my readers, I refrain from offering any ar- 
gument in view of controverting evident absurdities. The fact is, 
some cows will abort, no matter what may be the nature of the 
pasturage or condition of the atmosphere ; and so will women mis- 
carry occasionally, in spite of their own precautions and the advice 
of their physicians to prevent it. It is evident, therefore, that 
there exists in the animal economy of some subjects peculiarities 
of constitution termed idiocyncrasies, which, under certain circum- 
stances, and on the application of the cause, (indirect,) develop the 
latent pathological fire, and thus they abort. 

"When abortion prevails among a whole herd of cows on one 
man's farm, I should consider it as an enzootic, arising sponta- 
neously, and afterward propagated by infection or by sympathetic 
influence. Youatt gives a quotation which favors these views : 
" In the Leipsic ' Agricultural Gazette/ it is stated that, ' by an 
unheard-of fatality, the abortion of cows in that district was almost 
general, and that, after the most anxious search, no assignable 
cause for it could be discovered, nor would any medicine or medi- 
cal treatment arrest the plague..' " 

I shall now, in a brief manner, throw out a few hints for the 



524 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

consideration of dairymen and breeders, in view of the adoption 
of preventive measures ; for, since neither " medicine nor medical 
treatment " can arrest the plague, our only hopes of stopping abor- 
tions, which in this country are alarmingly on the increase, lies in 
the practice of preventive .measures. 

A very objectionable, and I may add, ruinous, practice prevails 
at some milking establishments, of keeping the cows impregnated 
all the time. The mother no sooner gets through the pains and 
perils of parturition than she is again, ofttimes, compelled to sub- 
mit to a re-impregnation. This is what I call an excessive use of 
the reproductive organs, which must eventually impair their integ- 
rity. It is well known to all physiologists, and I presume that 
the reader must have some knowledge of the facts, that the uterine 
organs, like those of digestion and respiration, can be overtaxed ; 
and disease, in some form or other, is very apt to occur in over- 
worked organs. If actual disease does not set in, debility of func- 
tion or organ must eventually ensue. The uterus, like various 
other organs of the animal economy, must have periods of rest, or 
the day of reckoning will surely arrive. An excessive use of the 
reproductive organs generally, if not always, impairs the integrity 
of the nutritive organs, and vice versa; hence, if a cow is kept 
pregnant all the time for the unwise purpose of making her yield 
a constant supply of milk, it should not appear strange if she fall 
off in the quantity of milk, appear unthrifty, be off her feed, and 
have a glairy discharge from the vagina. These are the symp- 
toms which usually precede abortion. 

I lately visited an imported cow, the property of a gentleman 
in Illinois, who informed me that she had aborted three times at 
about the seventh month of her pregnancy, and she was generally 
put to the bull shortly after the mishap. I told him that this bad 
practice was the sole predisposing cause of the trouble ; for the 
short space of time which occurred between the premature exjral- 
sion of the foetus and re-impregnation was not sufficient for the 
entire recovery of tone in the sexual organs; hence, so long as 
this practice continued, his cow would never go her full time. I 
strongly urge the necessity of spaying such an animal. She ought, 
at least, to be separated from the breeding cows, and her foetal calf, 
membranes, and placenta should be burned in the open air, for 
there is no safety in burying them a few inches under the earth's 
surface. 



DISEASES OF THE UDDER, TEATS, ETC. 525 

It is very probable that many cases of abortion occur tn rough a 
deranged condition of the digestive organs ; therefore the means 
most likely to prove effectual in keeping the stomach in a healthy 
state should be adopted. What an immense amount of labor 
the digestive organs have to perform ! They have to be almost 
constantly engaged in converting the elements of good and bad 
food into chyme and chyle ; and they must not slacken much, else 
where are sixteen quarts, more or less, per day of milk to come 
from? How is the foetus in utero to be nourished, and the wear 
and tear of the cow's organism to be provided for, when the 
stomach is not in working order ? 

The practice of milking cows to within a short period of par- 
turition is highly injurious, yet some persons with whom I have 
had conversations on this subject contend that, in some cases, it is 
impossible to " dry the cow." I advised them to reduce the ani- 
mal's food to less than one-half, or even one-fourth, if necessary ; 
in fact, there would be no harm in withholding food altogether for 
a short time, and in substituting for food a dose or two of aperient 
medicine. This course must necessarily soon lessen the amount 
of blood in the system, and as the milk is concocted from the blood, 
it will decrease in the same ratio, or, rather, be essentially lessened ; 
and in view of reducing the quantity of milk, I also urge the 
necessity of keeping the cow on a small quantity of water. This 
practice may not, on all occasions succeed in arresting the lacteal 
secretion, still it is the only rational way of accomplishing the 
object. 

Abortion is sometimes attributed to a debilitated state of the 
animal. This also arises from a derangement of the stomach. 
Then an opposite mode of treatment must be pursued, such as a 
change of food to that of a more nutritious character, and the fre- 
quent administration of small doses of ginger and golden seal. 

Breeding cows require a great deal of care and some watching. 
Careful selection of the right kind of food for the necessary wants 
of the animal and her fcetus in utero is indispensable. Neither 
the one nor the other can be expected to enjoy good health on a 
diet of slops, swill, brewer's grains, corn-stalks, rotten potatoes, 
frozen turnips, damaged meal, musty hay, or sour apples, etc. 
Care is also requisite in providing for the animal's wants in re- 
gard to "watering." This is a subject of great importance, yet 
very few husbandmen give it that attention which its importance 



526 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

demands. The horrible stagnated stuff found in some pastures 
and water-troughs, which the thirsty creatures are compelled, from 
sheer necessity, to imbibe, is surely operative in producing very 
many unnecessary diseases, derangements, and abortions. 

Some watching is necessary. A cow likely to abort is gener- 
ally " off her feed," does not ruminate according to her accustomed 
activity ; she fails to yield the daily quantum of milk ; her condi- 
tion is noticed to be unthrifty, and, on inspecting the vagina, it 
is observed to be the seat of a glairy discharge. Such an animal 
should be immediately isolated from the rest, of the herd, and 
proceeded with as above directed. It is said that a very common 
cause of abortion is sympathetic influence. 

There is another matter of some importance to be considered in 
view of prevention? I allude to breeding. It is my opinion 
that thousands of the abortions which occur among our domes- 
ticated animals of this country are for the benefit of the several 
races present and to follow ; for if the offspring of cows whose 
systems have been debilitated by a too early use of the sexual 
organs, and those of other parents, laboring under organic disease, 
malformation, and stunted growth, together with the apology of 
offspring of cows doomed to drag out a miserable existence in 
some horrible " swill-milk establishment," where death runs riot, 
or runs into the milk-pail, to kill off unnursed infants, these being 
permitted to come into the world with their inherited imperfec- 
tions, and being suffered to grow up and become parents, issuing 
a worse edition than the original copy in turn — these bad speci- 
mens, not of Nature's handiwork, but of man's ignorance and 
folly, or willful transgression of the law of Nature, being permit- 
ted to live, they would be so many libels on creative power ; and, 
in order to remove them from the face of the earth, and put a 
check on the monstrous evil, a friendly pestilence must eventually 
ensue. This would be a mournful event ; for many valuable ani- 
mals might, by infection or contagion, be involved in the general 
ruin ; therefore Nature adopts the lesser evil, and applies the law 
of destruction prior to the birth of monstrosity. 

The laws of reproduction and destruction are nicely and wisely 
balanced. "Thus far shalt thou go, and no further." The off- 
spring of weak, emaciated, ill-formed, scrofulous, consumptive, 
and otherwise defective animals, should never be used for breed- 
ing purposes ; in fact, they are not even fit for the butcher. 



DISEASES OF THE UDDER, TEATS, ETC. 527 

Finally, I would advise breeders to let the female get her 
growth ere she is forced into copulation ; for prior to maturity 
all the energies of her system are concentrated upon the perfection 
and integrity of her organism, and, until that important period 
arrives, the reproductive system can not be exercised without 
running great risk of violating one of the fundamental laws of 
Nature. 

I have now directed the reader's attention to most of the causes 
likely to influence or induce abortion, and I leave the rest, if any 
there be, to be discovered by their own experience. It is impos- 
sible for me to furnish definite instructions as regards the treat- 
ment of individual cases, either prior or subsequent to abortion, as 
each require a certain course, according to the condition and pre- 
vailing symptoms ; yet, if I have succeeded in pointing out only 
a few of the errors which prevail in our present faulty system of 
breeding and management, and have been practical enough to 
secure the reader's attention in a perusal of this article, I have 
accomplished more than I expected at the time of its composition. 

Inflammatory Affection of the Hind Limbs after 

Calving. 

Some cows, after calving, suffer from an inflammatory affection 
of the hind limbs, which renders them lame, or they are unable 
to use the parts with that promptitude which characterizes the 
physiological condition or state of health. The limbs are gener- 
ally hot, and, in certain localities, are swollen, and the general 
health of the animal seems to be impaired, yet there is no great 
danger attending the condition. The tumefaction appears to con- 
sist of a local effusion (dropsy) of serum into the cellular tissue, 
which readily disappears through the local application of cold water, 
and the action of the calf on the teats. 

The attention of veterinarians has been directed to this affec- 
tion by Lecout [trier, in the following paragraph, translated by 
Mr. Gamgee : 

"A few days after parturition, and always when it has been 
normal, a difficulty in the movements of the hind-quarters is to 
be observed. The hocks become sensitive ; the anterior surface 
swells up ; the synovial capsule is disturbed ; great pain is felt at 
the slightest touch, accompanied with heat. Then the appetite 



528 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

is lost ; the secretion of milk diminished ; pulse quick and strong ; 
and a certain amount of fever sets in. The patient can not lie 
down, and still is not safe on its legs. The writer never saw 
the affection but on recently-calved cows; never after the ninth 
day, and almost always from the fourth to the seventh. This 
disease affects generally the good mother, and is of a most be- 
nignant nature. A friction of turpentine and alcohol is sufficient 
to restore to health in most cases; otherwise, brandy and soap. 
When the fever is strong, a dose of niter, with digitalis, is useful. 
This disturbance is always of a benignant nature, and is coinci- 
dent with parturition, as the parturient fever, and a serous diarrhea, 
which occurs from the second to the third day after calving, easily 
checked, and never lasting more than twenty-four hours." 

Treatment. — My treatment is as follows: Give the patient a 
drachm, three times per day, of fluid extract of gelseminum, and 
bathe the limb with a cold infusion of hops, just so long as in- 
flammation and fever exist. Then prepare the following : 

No. 99. Fluid extract of buchu 8 oz. 

Chlorate of potass 2 oz. 

Water 1 pint. 

Mix. 

I 

Dose, a wine-glassful night and morning. Rub the limbs with 
a portion of the following : 

No. 100. Fluid extract of wormwood 3 oz. 

Proof spirit 1 pt. 




SECTION XX. 

DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. 

Description of the Urinary System — The Ureters — The Bladder — The 
Urethra — H^esiaturia — Inflammation of the Kidneys — Urinary Cal- 
culi — Calculi in the Bladder — Black Water — Red Water. 

Description of the Urinary System. 

THE primary organs of the urinary system are the kidneys, 
two ovoid conglomerate bodies, of a purple color, located in 
the lumbar region, or loins, separated from each other by the in- 
ferior part of the spinal column. They are generally imbedded 
in adipose tissue denominated suet. The kidneys are the great 
emunctories of the body, are constantly engaged in secreting waste 
and morbid fluids from the blood, and we find them much larger 
in cattle, than in horses. When the function of any other excre- 
tory organ is impaired, an extra amount of work is in store for 
them to perform. In health their function never ceases — a con- 
stant secretion of urine is going on all the time. Whether the 
animal be awake or asleep it matters not, there is no rest for the 
kidneys. On cutting through the kidneys, it is found to be com- 
posed of two substances, termed cortical and medullary. 

The kidneys are supplied with blood by the emulgent arteries. 
They are of large caliber, and furnish a large quantity of blood 
from which the urine is secreted. Within the center of each kid- 
ney is a receptacle known as the pelvis, which terminates in a 
funnel-shaped outlet, the commencement of the ureter. The 
emulgent arteries, which supply the kidneys with arterial blood, 
are derived from the posterior aorta. They subdivide and ramify 
into the substance of the gland, and end in a very complex net- 
work. The emulgent veins are much larger than the arteries. 
They accompany the latter, and, finally, converge into one trunk, 
34 ( 529 ) 



530 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

and terminate in the posterior vena cava. The nerves of the 
kidneys are derived from the renal plexus. 

The Ueetebs. 

Each kidney is connected with the bladder by a common duct 
or tube, known as the ureter. These ducts are much stronger 
and larger than those found in the horse. They are composed of 
two tunics. The external one is both fibrous and muscular in a 
longitudinal direction, which permits it to contract and extend in 
exact ratio as the bladder contracts when empty, and expands 
when filled. The internal membrane is of mucous texture, and 
is constantly lubricated with a mucous secretion, which defends it 
against the irritating qualities of the urine. 

The Bladdee. 

The bladder of an ox is much larger than that of the horse. It 
is a musculo-membranous sac, or bag, and is located within the 
pelvis, bounded above by the rectum, and below by the internal 
surface of the pubic bones. In the cow we find the bladder 
located between the rectum and the uterine organs. The bladder 
has a transverse ligament inserted into the lateral parts of the 
pelvis. It has three coats. One is derived from the peritoneum, 
or lining membrane of the abdominal cavity, which gives the 
bladder an external covering. The middle coat of the bladder is 
composed of muscular fibers, which run in longitudinal and cir- 
cular directions. The internal membrane, or coat, is more highly 
organized than the others. It is furnished with excretory out- 
lets, from which issues a mucous secretion for its own protection. 

The bladder is divided into fundus, body, and cervix. The 
fundus is that prominent part which faces anteriorly, or toward 
the intestines, and when the bladder is full of urine, it protrudes 
into the abdominal cavity. The body is the bulky or capacious 
part, generally more rounded, when full, than in the horse's 
bladder. The cervix is the neck, or contracted part of the blad- 
der. It is surrounded by muscular fibers that involuntarily con- 
tract, so as to close the passage, except in the act of urinating. 
Some anatomists consider this muscle as a distinct one in the 
horse, and have given to it the name of sphincter ; but in oxen it 



DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. 531 

does not seem to be a distinct muscle, neither does it contract with 
that force or persistency which is known to occur in the case of a 
horse. 

The Urethra. 

The urethra arises from the neck of the bladder, and extends 
from it to the end of the penis. It is much smaller in caliber 
than in the horse. It affords a passage for the urine and seminal 
fluid. Interiorly it is composed of mucous membrane, which is a 
prolongation of that found within the bladder. 

HEMATURIA. 

Hsematuria signifies voiding of blood with the urine. In 
cattle-raising districts, this disease, or rather the symptoms of 
one, is generally known by the term " red water/' although a very 
marked difference exists between hsematuria and mere discolor- 
ation or reddened appearance of the urine ; for in the former case 
blood globules are invariably present, and their presence can be 
determined by procuring a sample of the urine. After letting it 
stand for a short time, the blood coagulse may be detected by the 
naked eye, at the bottom of the vessel in which the urine is 
caught. 

Causes — Its Character and Symptoms. — The voiding of blood 
with the urine is generally supposed to be occasioned by some vio- 
lence, such as local injury in the lumbar region, calculi within the 
ureters or the bladder ; from local hemorrhage, occasioned by con- 
gestion, or inflammation of some portion of the urinary organs. 
Congestion is apt to occur in overfed animals, and, perhaps, is 
an effort of Nature to phlebotomize the subject and reduce the 
amount of circulating fluid, and thus lessen the liability to accu- 
mulate adipose tissue. If such be the case (the patient being in 
a state of plethora), no immediate danger is to be apprehended. 
Especially is this the case when the hemorrhage is merely passive, 
unaccompanied by symptoms of pain either at the time or between 
the periods of urinating. A case of this character might very 
properly be termed congestive hsematuria, and may be treated on 
the same principles which prevail in the practice of intelligent 
physicians in the management of other local congestions. Ne- 
phritis (inflammation of the kidneys) may occasion hsematuria, 



532 DADDS VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

and is almost always accompanied by sure and unmistakable 
symptoms; namely, those of pain and irritation, either in the act 
or else before or after urinating. It may be difficult to deters 
mine what is the exciting cause of this inflammatory condition. 
It may be purely idiopathic, or may arise from the irritation 
consequent on the passage of urinary calculi through the parts 
involved; and, notwithstanding there are certain diagnostic symp- 
toms attending both varieties, still the medical attendant (who 
has just seen the case for the first time,) may find it hazardous to 
venture an opinion on its exact pathology ; yet he shall not be at 
fault in treating the case as a local inflammatory affection. If it 
can be shown that the animal has been dosed with strong diuret- 
ics, and no hemorrhage had existed prior to their administration, 
but is now quite profuse, we may safely conclude that the hemor- 
rhage is occasioned by the local stimulus. It may, therefore, be 
laid down, as a general rule, that all cases of hematuria, attended 
with symptoms of pain, are occasioned by the irritation of some 
foreign body acting on some part of the secretory surface of the 
urinary apparatus, or else is the result of some external violence; 
and it is the business of the person who prescribes to carefully 
consider these matters, in view of forming a correct diagnosis. 

Hsematuria does occasionally occur in nursing women of a pleth- 
oric diathesis. At the period of weaning the infant, the woman 
notices, on urinating, that the fluid is tinged with blood; but, as 
the act is unaccompanied by pain, and nothing of the kind being 
felt in the region of the kidneys, she feels no alarm about it, and 
scarcely if ever consults a medical man on the subject. In the 
course of a few days, all things being favorable, the urine assumes 
its natural appearance ; therefore, if hsematuria shall appear in a 
cow at the period of " drying her up," as the saying is, or if a cow 
shall be observed to pass blood in the urine at the time of wean- 
ing the calf, and neither one nor the other manifest any discern- 
ible symptoms of pain, nor any perceivable manifestations of 
derangement in the vital functions, there will be no necessity to 
resort to any very active mode of medication, and an intelligent 
physician would merely recommend a mild laxative, light diet, 
and a little nursing. A few doses of liquor acetate ammonia 
might be indicated as a febrifuge. This may be given from a 
bottle. 

Treatment. — Should the owner of the animal be unable to obtain 



DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. 533 

the services of a professional man, let him prepare some flax- 
seed tea (a quart) ; then add half an ounce of powdered blood- 
root ; after which let the animal have six drachms of tincture of 
niatico, diluted in a small quantity of water, night and morning. 
Should the disease be traced to the presence of urinary calculi, a 
lithontriptic will be indicated, which is prepared as follows : 

No. 101. Muriate acid 1 oz. 

Water 1 pt. 

Fluid extract of hops 1 oz. 

Dose, half the above quantity, night and morning. 

Inflammation of the Kidneys. 

Symptoms. — Cattle affected with inflammation of the kidneys 
will be observed to have some slight roaching of the back; that 
is to say, instead of the back or spinal column being straight or 
slightly concave, as it ought to be, it now presents a convexity, 
or, in other words, is arched in an upward or superior direction. 
The arching of the back is occasioned by tonic spasms of the psoas 
and iliac muscles, located above the kidneys in the lumbar region. 
These muscles are known to butchers as "tenderloin." On 
making pressure over the region of the kidneys, the animal will 
be observed to flinch, the parts appearing very tender and hot. 
The animal is generally dull ; the muzzle, dry ; a chilliness of the 
horns and external surface is observed, showing very clearly that 
there is an unequal circulation of the blood. There is, generally, 
some difficulty in passing the urine ; the animal strains in the act 
of passing it, and it is redder than usual. The symptoms vary as 
the disease progresses, but the above are the principal ones on 
.which the diagnosis must be founded. 

Treatment. — Drench the animal with twelve ounces of Glauber 
salts, dissolved in a quart of warm water ; then apply warm-water 
bandages to the region of the loins, which may be retained in their 
place by encircling the body with a bandage. An emollient clys- 
ter of slippery elm should occasionally be thrown into the rectum, 
and the patient should be drenched with four ounces of the liquor 
acetate of ammonia every six hours, until an improvement takes 
place. Then give tincture of matico, in half-ounce doses, night 
and morning, until the patient is better. 



534 dadd's veterinary medicine and surgery. 

Urinary Calculi. 

Cattle are occasionally the subjects of urinary calculi, yet there 
are not many cases of the kind on record ; and, during a practice 
of twenty-five years, the author has never been called upon to 
prescribe for nor treat a case of this character. This testimony 
is diametrically opposed to that of You att and others. Youatt 
contends that " concretions are oftener found in the urinary pas- 
sages of cattle than of the horse." This is not in accordance with 
the experience of American husbandmen. In England, however, 
cattle may inherit some peculiarity of constitution, which causes a 
tendency to the formation of concretion ; or perhaps the water they 
drink may be impregnated with alkalies, so as to induce an alka- 
line diathesis. Urinary calculi are generally composed of carbo- 
nate and phosphate of lime, carbonate of magnesia, and some 
animal matter. 

Treatment. — Should calculi be present in either the kindeys or 
ureters they are sure to occasion some degree of pain. The urine 
will be reddened, and sometimes blood corpuscles can be detected 
in the same. After awhile some muco-purulent fluid will be dis- 
charged with the urine. In this stage, it might be advisable to 
give the animal one ounce of acetic acid, in sixteen ounces of. 
water, per day, to be continued a week or so. Should the general 
health be impaired, let the animal have a few doses of the follow- 
ing: 

No. 102. Fluid extract of hops 2 oz. 

Hyposulphite of soda ^ oz. 

Water 1 pint. 

Mix. 



Calculi in the Bladder. 

A stone once having formed in the bladder will defy all our 
attempts to dissolve or decompose it ; yet if any one wishes to try 
the experiment, they can resort to the use of muriatic acid, suffi- 
ciently diluted with water to render it harmless to the animal tis- 
sues with which it may come in contact. The stone can, however, 
be removed by the operation of lithotomy, which will require the 
services of a skillful surgeon. In such a case the owner may pos- 
sibly decide upon slaughtering the animal. Perhaps this is the 
best thing he can do. 



DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. 535 

Symptoms. — There are various symptoms of deranged health 
which often attend stone in the bladder; yet, as they frequently 
accompany other diseases, and throw no special light on this, I 
shall take no notice of them, but offer something brief, yet more 
reliable. The presence of a stone in the bladder will generally 
occasion some interruption to that free and uniform flow of urine 
which takes place in a healthy animal without any symptoms of 
stone in the bladder ; consequently if, in the act of urination, the 
flow of fluid is suddenly stopped, to commence again a few mo- 
ments afterward, at the same moment a slight trembling of the 
hind limbs is observed, and the animal strains ineffectually to 
urinate, only passing a few drops, and this state of things has ex- 
isted for some time, it may be inferred that a stone is present in 
the bladder, and if so, the animal had better be slaughtered. 

Black Water. 

A discharge from the urethral outlet of fluid quite black in 
color very frequently indicates a grave form of disease existing in 
the liver. Should black-colored matter be detected in the urine, . 
the probabilities are that the animal will die ; for the disease which 
gives rise to the abnormal discharge is probably organic. 

Symptoms. — In some cases black water is occasioned by engorge- 
ment of the liver, spleen, or kidneys, and when an animal dies of 
these engorgements, we find the capillary veins much distended ; 
and these engorgements frequently occur, also, in many of the dis- 
eases of an epizootic or malignant character. Such condition or 
congestion is owing to a loss of equilibrium in the circulation. 
The arteries are very impressible to excitation, and hold out their 
physiological actions the longest. The veins being more distensi- 
ble than arteries, the blood is forced into the venous radicles faster 
than they can absorb it ; hence the free egress of blood is retarded. 
The result is an accumulation of blood, distending the organs or 
veins, producing engorgements and a darkened color of the blood 
and tissues. The blood assumes a darkened color partly from de- 
lay and partly from deficient pulmonary absorption and aeration. 

The causes of these local congestions are not always to be deter- 
mined, yet they almost always receive their chief force from a 
morbid habit pervading the general system ; at least this is the 
ease when no local disease exists to account for them. 



536 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Treatment. — The principal object in the treatment of black 
water is to equalize the circulation and decarbonize the blood. 
Diffusible stimulants and nauseants fulfill the first indication, and 
ammonia the latter ; therefore I use the following : 

No. 103. Fluid extract of ginger 1 oz. 

Chlorate of potass 1 oz. 

Spirits of ammonia 2 dr. 

Water 1 pint. 

Give the above quantity once daily. 

■ 

Eed Water. 

The changes which occur in the color of the urine are the results 
of various causes. In a preceding article the reader is informed 
that hsematuria (voiding of blood with urine) is traceable to cer- 
tain direct causes, hence the difficulty is of an acute character. 
Now, suppose we take a well animal as a subject for experiment. 
We administer repeated doses of sweet spirits of niter or tincture 
of juniper. The first thing we notice is, the urine is augmented, 
. or rather more profuse than usual, and of a pale color. Continue 
the medicaments over a given period, and the urine assumes a 
darker color — first, yellow ; next, brown, or coffee color, purple, or 
even black. This shows conclusively that the color of the urine 
can be altered by the use of medicinal agents ; therefore, if a red- 
dened appearance of the urine follow the exhibition of strong 
diuretics, the cause is plain enough, and the cure is effected by dis- 
continuing the diuretic medicine, and in restoring the equilibrium 
of action which should exist among the various excretory organs. 
Various kinds of food are also operative in producing changes in 
the color and quantity of the urinary secretion. Beets and car- 
rots, when fed in quantity for a sufficient length of time, alter 
essentially the color of ihe fluids of the body, urine included. As 
regards quantity, musty oats and an excess of stimulating food 
are notorious causes in explanation of augmented and discolored 
urinary secretion. 

Discoloration of the urine, which some of our Western farmers 
term " red water/' is usually occasioned by derangement of the 
liver and other parts of the digestive apparatus. The urine, how- 
ever, is more likely to have a tinge of brown or yellow than red, 
and, therefore, several writers, Mr. Youatt included, have termed 



DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. 537 

such cases " chronic red water ; ■' and they all agree that such an 
affection is not primarily one of the kidneys, but of the liver, and 
I presume that the " red-water " which prevails among cattle in 
the West owes its origin to the same causes as above. For exam- 
ple : A friend informs me that he lost a valuable cow, " which died 
of red water," and that the urine was of a " yellow-brown color," 
indicating, very clearly, that the animal labored under an affection 
of the liver; and, in view of dispelling all doubt on the subject, 
I here introduce a short paragraph from my correspondent's letter : 

" On skinning the animal, I found that the parts beneath (sub- 
cellular tissues) had a yellow appearance. On cutting open the 
abdomen, I noticed that the liver was of a very dark color, and 
appeared to be filled with black blood. The gall-bladder was very 
large, and appeared darker than usual ; the manyplies (manyplus) 
was full of caked food, and there were no appearances of disease 
in any other parts." 

Of course, it will be perceived that my correspondent was far 
from being an adept in the art of autopsy ; however, the appear- 
ances which he has described lead us to the necessary conclusion 
that the so-called red water (which he contends caused the death 
of his cow) was the result of functional, perhaps organic, disease 
of the liver. 

Mr. Yotjatt, when discussing the theory of the pathology of 
chronic red water, offers the following : 

" Chronic red water is more prevalent than that which is acute, 
and in its first stage is far more a disease of the digestive organs, 
and especially of the liver than of the kidney. The urine is ob- 
served to be of a brown color, or brown tinged with yellow. The 
beast feeds nearly as well as before, but ruminates rather more lazily. 
In a few days a natural diarrhea comes on, and the animal is well at 
once ; or a purgative drench is administered, and a cure is presently 
affected. This occurs frequently in cows and calves of weak con- 
stitution. At other times there is manifest indisposition. The ani- 
mal is dull, heavy, languid ; the ears droop, the back is bowed ; she 
separates from the herd ; she refuses her food, and ceases to rumi- 
nate. Presently she gets better; she rejoins her companions, but 
this is only for a little while. The urine, which at first was brown, 
with a tinge of yellow, has now red mingled with brown, or it is 
of the color of porter. It is increased in quantity ; is discharged 
sometimes with ease, at other times with considerable straining— 



538 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

in little jets, and with additional bowing of the back. The milk 
diminishes ; it acquires a slight tinge of yellow or brown ; the 
taste becomes unpleasant, and it spoils all that it is mingled with-. 
The pulse is accelerated ; it reaches to 60 or 70. If the blood is 
drawn, the serum which separates from it is brown. The skin is 
yellow, but of a darker yellow than in jaundice ; it has a tinge of 
brown. The conjunctiva is also yellow, inclining to brown. The 
urine becomes of a darker hue, and is almost black. The animal 
usually shrinks when the loins are pressed upon. Occasionally 
there is much tenderness, but oftener the beast scarcely shrinks 
more than he is accustomed to do when laboring under almost 
every disease. The belly is not so much tucked up as drawn to- 
gether at the sides. There is considerable loss of condition ; the 
legs and ears get cold ; the animal is less inclined to move ; there 
is evident general debility. In every stage there is costiveness, 
and that exceedingly difficult to overcome, but, on close inquiry, 
it is ascertained that there was diarrhea at the beginning, and 
which was violent and fetid, and which suddenly stopped." 

Testimony of this description, emanating from reliable authority, 
is entitled to our consideration ; and it should teach us to seek for 
the cause of discolored urine beyond the region of the kidneys, 
except in those cases which are evidently the results of the action 
of diuretics or stimulants in the form of improper food. It will 
generally be found that discolorations in the urine are the symp- 
toms of a disease located elsewhere; hence the disease should be 
treated instead of the symptoms. 

Treatment. — If the disease appears to be located in the liver, 
indicated by a yellow tinge of the visible surfaces, dark-colored 
feces, and yellow tinge of the urine, the animal being dull and 
sleepy, showing symptoms of febrile action, it may be proper to 
administer a dose of purgative medicine, combined with some 
agent calculated to restore the physiological action of the liver, and 
I therefore recommend the following : 

No. 104. Epsom salts 12 oz. 

Podophyllum peltatum (mandrake)... 2 dr. 

Dissolve the salts in tepid water, one pint ; then add the podo- 
phyllum, and administer the same by means of a " drenching- 
horn," or bottle. 

In administering medicine to cattle, our object is to get it beyond 



DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. 539 

the rumen or paunch into the digestive compartment of their com- 
plex stomach, and, in aiming to do this, we pour the medicine 
down the oesophagus slowly. After the bowels have responded to 
the action of the medicine, it may be proper to administer altera- 
tives which are known to change morbid action. Powdered sul- 
phur and mandrake may be given, in small doses— not sufficient 
of either to keep up the cathartic action of the salts, but merely 
to keep the bowels in a soluble condition for a day or two ; and if 
there be any danger of superpurgation, neither mandrake nor sul- 
phur are indicated. In such case I should give an occasional dose 
of powdered golden seal, two drachms, and the same quantity of 
carbonate of soda. The patient should be fed sparingly ; and if 
the season permit, a run in the pasture will prove beneficial. 




SECTION XXI. 

THE HEART — ITS FUNCTION AND DISEASES. 

Description of the Heart — The Heart's Function — Diseases of the Heart- 
Dilatation of the Heart — Pericarditis — Hypertrophy — Endocarditis. 

Description of the Heaet. 

THE heart is a wonderful and powerful piece of muscular 
mechanism. Its function is of the involuntary order, so 
that regular contractions and expansions, or beatings, occur in the 
normal state, without the knowledge and consent of the animal. 
These contractions and expansions, however, can be modified by 
means of various medicinal agents which act upon the nervous 
system, thus producing a sort of mixed action (voluntary and in- 
voluntary). For example, all medicines known as sedatives op- 
erate so as to depress the heart's action, and lessen, for a given 
period, the number of its pulsations ; while, on the other hand, 
stimulants augment the action of the heart, and increase the num- 
ber of its pulsations. The average weight of the heart of an ox 
is eight pounds, yet it is frequently the seat of fatty degeneration, 
when its weight and bulk is then materially increased. 

The heart is anatomically divided into four cavities, two of 
which being in a superior and anterior direction, and, in conse- 
quence of bearing some resemblance to the ears of a dog, are 
termed auricles. These cavities, known as right and left (or 
rather anterior and posterior), are divided by a wall, or septum, 
known as the septum auriculorum. The right auricle is the re- 
ceptacle for venous blood, and three venous trunks terminate in 
it; namely, the anterior vena cava, which returns the venous 
blood from the anterior extremities, head and neck; next, the 
tena cava posterior, which returns the venous blood from the 
posterior parts ; and, lastly, the coronary vein. The latter returns 
(540) 



THE HEART— ITS FUNCTION AND DISEASES. 



541 



blood which has circulated through the heart itself for its own 
nourishment. A considerable quantity of dark, venous blood is 
generally found in this auricle after death, and it opens into the 
right or anterior ventricle by an aperture denominated the au- 
riculo-ventricular opening ; yet, in consequence of a valvular con- 
trivance within the ventricle, the blood can not recede into the 
auricle. 




the heart; its circulation. 

Explanation.— a, The left ventricle ; 6, The right ventricle ; cef, The aorta; ghi, The ca- 
rotid and other arteries springing from the aorta ; k, The pulmonary artery ; /, Branches 
of the pulmonary artery in the lungs ; m m, The pulmonary veins emptying into the left 
auricle; n, The right auricle; o, The ascending vena cava; q, The descending vena 
cava ; r, The left auricle ; s, The coronary vein and artery. 

Internally, the right auricle is lined by a glistening vascular 
membrane, having, on various parts of its surface, small muscular 
eminences, termed musculi pectinati. The small cavities which 
occur, in consequence of this arrangement, are termed cul-de-sacs. 
The right or venous ventricle is also lined by a nicely-organized 
membrane, and has beneath it several muscular prominences, 
named carnce columnce, which give origin to as many tendinous 



542 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

slips. These are known as cordce tenclince. They are inserted 
into a fibrous membrane in the region of the auriculo-ventricular 
opening, and then get the name (membrane included) valvula 
tricuspis. The lateral contractions of this ventricle are aided by 
small tendinous cords, having muscular origins from the wall and 
septum. The venous blood passes from this cavity into the pul- 
monary tissues of oxygenation, through the pulmonary artery, 
which emerges from the superior part of the ventricle. At the 
commencement of the pulmonary artery are found three valves 
termed semilunar. Their function is to guard against a retrograde' 
movement of the blood, so that it has no other channel than that 
which leads to the lungs. 

The left ventricle has scarcely any anatomical or structural dif- 
ferences from those observed in the right, although its cavity is 
smaller, and its walls are somewhat thicker, than those found on 
the right. It receives the blood from the lungs after purification, 
by means of the pulmonary veins, which have four openings into 
this cavity — two proceeding from the right and two from the left 
lobes. The left or arterial ventricle is the reservoir for arterial 
blood, which is destined to reanimate, replenish, and perpetuate 
the vital economy. Having a vastly more important function to 
perform (which requires augmented muscular mechanism) than its 
duplicate found on the right side, the thickness of its walls must, 
therefore, necessarily exceed those of the right. This is found to 
be the case, so that the outer wall of this is about three times as 
thick as that found on the other side ; and this guide is useful to 
us in determining at sight, after the heart is detached from the 
body, which is the left ventricle, and vice versa. 

The channel of communication between the left auricle and 
ventricle is named, as is the case on the opposite side, auriculo- 
ventricular opening. It is furnished, however, with only two 
instead of three valvular openings, termed valvula bicuspis, or 
mitralis. This ventricle is one of importance for our considera- 
tion, from the fact of the great aorta (the plastic hose, which 
seldom if ever requires cobbling or repair) here originates. Its 
margin, or outlet, is guarded by a complete set of valves, three in 
number, termed semilunar, similar to those found at the origin of 
the pulmonary artery. This ventricle is divided from the one on 
the opposite side by a muscular and tendinous uartition termed 
septum ventriculorum. 



THE HEART— ITS FUNCTION AND DISEASES. 543 

Form, Situation, and Attachment of the Heart. — Its form de- 
scribes that simulating a cone having a body, base, and apex. 
Its base being in a superior direction, it follows, as a matter of 
course, that its apex has an inferior insertion downward and back- 
ward. The heart lies in the region occupied by the fourth, fifth, 
and sixth dorsal vertebra, right in the central region known as 
the cavity of the chest. Its apex is inclined to the left side. It 
appears that in the ox the heart differs in construction from that 
of the horse in the following peculiarities : There is a bone found 
in the heart termed os cordis, the function of which has never been 
explained ; yet it is evidently intended for some useful purpose — 
perhaps to give strength and durability to the sanguinous force- 
pump. Next, we notice some difference in the internal mechanism 
of the right ventricle. There are several fleshy bands, running 
across from side to side, which prevents abnormal dilatation ; for, 
taken as a whole, the venous system of the bovine species is more 
developed than in the horse — the veins are larger and more numer- 
ous, and more blood is constantly accumulating in the right auricle 
and ventricle ; hence the need of additional muscular mechanism. 

The Heart's Function. 

The blood having gone the rounds of the circulation, enters the 
anterior or right cavity (auricle). It then passes into the venous 
or right ventricle. By the contraction of this ventricle the blood 
is forced through the pulmonary arteries into the lungs; there 
having undergone certain changes (which have been alluded to in 
another part of this work), it returns by the pulmonary veins to 
the left auricle; from thence it descends into the left ventricle. 
The contractions of the left ventricle force the blood into the 
great aorta (anterior and posterior), which gives rise to a numer- 
ous set of arteries, through which channels the blood reaches the 
extreme parts of the system. 

Diseases of the Heart. 

Diseases of the heart in cattle are very common, yet they fre- 
quently elude detection, simply because the symptoms are very 
obscure. Mr. Gamgee contends that the most common cause of 
diseases of the heart in cattle is the passage of needles, and other 



544 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

foreign bodies, from the reticulum through the diaphragm. At 
the same time, he alludes to many drawings in his possession of 
polypi in the heart, growing from the auriculo-ventricular valves; 
also to drawings of deposits beneath the endocardium (lining of the 
heart's cavity) • of tumors, also, outside the heart, consisting in 
masses of cysts, and due to the development of hydatids of the 
echinacoccus veterinorum. 



Dilatation or the Heart. 

The heart is often the seat of dilatation, or amplifications of 
one or more cavities, with attenuation of the walls of the same. 
This dilatation is supposed to arise from the mechanical effect of 
over-distension. 

Cause. — The cause of dilatation is deficient power in the heart 
in proportion to that of the system. This may be acquired or 
it may be congenital. All obstructions, also, to the circulation, 
whether situated in the orifices of the heart or in the aortic or 
pulmonary systems, may induce this dilatation. 

Symptoms. — The pulsations are feeble and oppressed, and, on 
moving the animal about, he becomes distressed ; the pulse is soft 
and feeble ; languor in the arterial circulation, as shown by the 
congested state of the mucous surfaces. The respiration is some- 
what affected, not primarily, but through the intervention of 
irregular nervous action. The jugulars are engorged, and various 
parts and organs of the body are congested, and the surface and 
extremities are below the natural temperature. 

Treatment. — The principal object should be to improve the 
general health, by alteratives and tonics. The surface of the 
body should be kept warm, and often rubbed, so as to excite 
capillary action. This will also have the effect of relieving the 
venous congestions. Any hygienic measures, regarding both diet 
and management, will certainly do good. Pure air, for example, 
is absolutely needed, to vitalize the blood as it tardily courses the 
veins. Without such there is ^ery little chance of restoring the 
animal. The alterative and tonic may be thus prepared : 

No. 105. Iodide of potass -J oz. 

Fluid extract of sassafras 3 oz. 

Fluid extract of hops 1 oz. 

Water. . . » 1 pint. 



THE HEART— ITS FUNCTIONS AND DISEASES. 545 

Mix, and dissolve the potass in the water; then add the other 
ingredients. Dose, one-fourth of this quantity night and morning. 

The Pericardium and its Diseases. 

The pericardium is a membranous bag that surrounds the heart. 
It is known to the butchers as the " heart-bag," and is attached 
to the sternum, diaphragm, and to the roots of the large blood- 
vessels at the base of the heart. It is composed of two layers, 
united by cellular tissues. The external one is composed of 
fibrous tissue; the internal one is a smooth, serous membrane, 
similar to that which lines the cavity of the chest. This serous 
membrane is studded by numerous vessels called exhalents. From 
these issue a vapor of fluid, the purpose of which is to guard 
against friction. The insertions of the pericardium are such that 
it confines the heart in its proper situation, and aids in sustain- 
ing a reciprocal action between the heart and lungs. It is often 
the seat of a disease known as pericarditis. 

Pericarditis. 

This disease consists of inflammation of the pericardium, the 
causes of which are supposed to be nearly the same as those of 
pleurisy, or inflammation of other serous membranes; namely, 
sudden impressions of cold on the external surface, violence, etc. 
A special cause has also been assigned for this disease; namely, 
the penetration of the pericardium by foreign bodies, such as nailSj 
needles, wire, etc., coming from the interior of the stomach, and 
working their way through it into the former. 

Symptoms. — There is considerable increase in the force of the 
heart's pulsation; the jugular veins are engorged (larger than 
usual), and an undulating movement is observed in them. There 
will be acute inflammatory fever, generally preceded by rigors, 
shivering, and coldness ; the visible surfaces of the nostrils and 
eyes are highly reddened in the early stages, and rumination has 
ceased, with loss of appetite. The animal occasionally directs its 
head near the region of the heart, and if pressure be made on the 
sternum (breast-bone), it elicits distressing symptoms. As the 
disease progresses, the jugulars increase in volume, the pulse be- 
comes feeble, and an cedematous or dropsical state of the lower 
35 



546 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

parts of the thorax sets in. This latter feature indicates that a 
considerable quantity of fluid is present, both in the pericardium 
and thorax. In this stage the case is incurable. 

Treatment. — In the early stage of pericarditis, the treatment 
should be about the same as that recommended for acute pulmonic 
and pleuritic affections. Iodide of potassium, in doses of twenty- 
five grains per day, may prove serviceable; and some form of 
diuretic medicine may also be exhibited, to increase the action of 
the kidneys. So soon as the patient shows signs of amendment, 
tincture of matico, in ounce doses, may be given, twice daily, 
until the patient has fairly recovered. 

The London " Veterinarian " publishes the following case, fur- 
nished by Surgeon Lepper : 

" I herewith send you what I think is a rare specimen of a dis- 
eased heart, with its investment, which was taken from a cow of 
the short-horn breed, about seven years old, the property of Mr. 
Bliss, of Windmill Hill, Waddesdon. On the fourth day after 
calving she was noticed to fail in her appetite, and her milk also 
became greatly diminished in quantity. In walking across the 
yard she staggered and fell. She laid for some considerable time, 
when, with difficulty, she got up and walked to a shed, where she 
soon laid down again. It was in this condition that I first saw 
her. The expression of her countenance did not materially differ 
from that of a healthy animal. The bowels were regular in their 
action; the pulse did not exceed fifty beats in the minute, and 
was soft and full. On the left side of the chest there was an 
emphysematous swelling, extending over four or five of the mid- 
dle ribs, and about eight or ten inches wide. On auscultating 
the chest, I could not discover any unusual sound in the respira- 
tory action ; the breathing, also, was regular. The jugular veins 
were filled to repletion, so as to be observable when standing by 
the side of the animal — a state of things which I have invariably 
found to exist in effusion into the pericardium, and, especially, if 
much fluid is present. I felt satisfied that this was a case of this 
description, and, consequently, formed an unfavorable opinion as 
to the issue. To relieve the distended vessels, I took away eight 
or ten pounds of blood, and gave a slight purgative, which ap- 
peared to afford temporary relief. For two or three days the 
appetite improved, and the cow appeared to move with greater 
freedom and less pain. On the sixth day after my first visit she 



THE HEART— ITS FUNCTIONS AND DISEASES. 547 

suddenly relapsed, and died on the seventh. This animal had, for 
some time past, wasted in flesh, but, as her general appearance was 
healthy, little notice was taken of it". It is surprising that she 
should have gone on so well as she did with so extensive disease 
of the heart. As to the nature of the affection I shall offer no 
remarks, but leave this to be explained by you." 

The following remarks are added by the editor of the above- 
named journal: 

"This was but another of several specimens which we have 
received, from time to time, in which the external surface of the 
heart was covered with layers of effused and partially-organized 
fibrine. The pericardium was thickened to three times its natural 
substance, and within it was contained several ounces of colorless 
serous fluid. The effused fibrine hung in grapelike appendages 
from the base of the heart, each of which had a flocculent condition. 
These bodies were devoid of color, and had altogether such an 
appearance as would lead us to doubt whether the effusions re- 
sulted from active inflammation. The muscular substance of the 
organ, and its internal lining membrane, were alike free from 
organic change." 

The following case, which occurred in the practice of Mr. 
Williams, may also prove interesting and instructive to the 
reader : 

"On the 16th of June, I was requested by Mr. Thomas Tatum, 
Gwernafield, to attend a cow of his. Her history he gave as fol- 
lows : ' She has been unwell since she calved, three weeks ago. 
The foetal membranes were not expelled for a fortnight after the 
event, and they came away piecemeal, in a state of putrescence. 
Her appetite has been very capricious all along, and her bowels 
rather costive. A discharge of white matter has taken place from 
the vagina for the last week or so. She gives but little milk. 
The breathing is tranquil, and she does not cough. She has a 
peculiar stare in the countenance, and takes a great deal of notice 
of every thing.' 

On inspection, I found her as the owner had stated, the symp- 
toms, to a casual observer, being any thing but indicative of 
extensive organic changes, but more of general debility after par^ 
turition. She was rather emaciated. On closer examination, I 
found the mucous membranes to be rather pallid ; the mouth, cool 
and moist; the temperature of the body but slightly below the 



548 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

natural standard, and equal over all parts of the body ; the pulse, 
very weak, beating 96 in the minute, and regular; the breathing 
only very slightly hurried. 

After advancing thus far in my examination, I must confess 
that the case fairly puzzled me, and I was inclined to look on it 
as one of general debility and leucorrhea ; but as the discharge 
from the vagina was very slight, I thought it could not be the 
sole cause of the loss of appetite and other symptoms present. I 
now auscultated the chest, and, on applying my ear, the respira- 
tory murmur was heard distinct and natural, but I thought a little 
increased at the anterior portion of both sides. On auscultating 
the region of the heart, I failed to detect the sounds of that organ, 
and on still further examination, both the sounds and the impulse 
were indetectible. This struck me as being curious, but, on ac- 
count of the regularity of the pulse, I did not consider either the* 
heart or its membranes to be the seat of digease, and treated the 
case as one of general debility, loss of appetite, and leucorrhea. 
The animal lingered for about four weeks more, the symptoms 
remaining nearly the same as at the time when I first examined 
her, with the exception of increased emaciation. 

The post mortem examination revealed ansemia, the tissues being 
exceedingly pale and sodden, the blood in the vessels scanty and 
pale, and scarcely staining the fingers. The abdominal viscera 
were healthy, with the exception of the liver, which was congested. 
The gall-bladder was distended with dirty, lemon-colored bile, 
of thin consistence, and seemingly containing a large amount of 
mucus. On opening the cavity of the thorax, the pericardium 
was seen distended to an enormous extent, filling the floor of the 
cavity, and adherent to the sternum and pleura costalis by a thick 
layer of exuded lymph, this having no appearance of organization, 
but seemingly consisting of a shapeless basis-substance, easily 
separated from the parts it was in contact with. The cavity of 
the pericardium contained in its inferior part about two pints of a 
fetid, whey-like fluid. With the exception of that part which 
contained this fluid, the cavity was obliterated by exudation, 
matter about two inches in thickness surrounding and gluing to- 
gether the visceral and parietal surfaces of the pericardium. The 
heart itself was flabby, pale, and its cavities contained a small 
amount of blood, of the same thin consistence as that in other 
parts of the body. The endocardium was healthy. The lungs 



THE HEART— ITS FUNCTION AND DISEASES. 549 

presented no appearance of disease; they were pale, excepting 
in the parts lying undermost after death. The plurae, excepting 
where they were involved in the pericardiac disease, presented no 
abnormal appearance. The thoracic and abdominal cavities con- 
tained a little fluid. 

Reflecting on the appearance presented by the pericardium, by 
its being adherent through the accompanying pleuritis to the 
walls of the thorax and sternum, and by the heart itself being 
thus in a manner bound down and fastened by a thick layer of 
plaster, and elastic material existing between it and the ribs, I 
was satisfied that the absence of the sounds of impulse was due to 
these pathological changes, and not, as I had foolishly supposed, 
to general debility. But, before giving publicity to this opinion, 
I thought it better to wait for more proof. 

September 4, 1857, I was called to attend a cow, the property 
of "W. Gregg, Esq., Syntroll, Mold. I had attended her in May 
previous for ' retention of the foetal membrane.' She seemed to 
be very languid and depressed for some days before and after the 
removal of these ; but, as she fed pretty well, I was not requested 
to prescribe for her. She had given milk freely all the summer, 
but had not appeared so lively as she ought to be. She seemed 
as well as usual on the evening of the 3d of September. On the 
morning of the 4th her quantity of milk was diminished. On 
examination, I found her wet and cold from the rain of the pre- 
vious night, standing ' all of a heap ;' head depressed, and ears 
pendulous ; mouth and nose, cold ; breathing, tranquil ; bowels, 
costive ; pulse, 100, very feeble, but regular ; the mucous mem- 
branes slightly tinged yellow. Auscultation failed to detect the 
sounds of the heart, and the palpitation was absent. I pronounced 
the case to be one of pericarditis, and that exudation had taken 
place to some extent; also that congestion of the liver existed, 
this being secondary, and owing to the feebleness of the circula- 
tion. 

The treatment consisted in the administration of purgatives and 
stimulants. Counter-irritants were also applied to the sides, and 
as the case advanced, tonics were given. But nothing seemed to 
affect the pulse ; it remained feeble throughout, and it was only a 
few days before death that irregularity was detected. 

On Friday, September 18, diarrhea set in, and on the 21st cede- 
matous swellings appeared in different parts of the body, but more 



550 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

especially on the dewlap and fore-parts. On the 23d she dropped 
down and died without a struggle. 

All throughout, this animal exhibited the same watchful state 
as observed in the first case, and the appetite was very capricious 
indeed. One day she would feed pretty well ; then, again, she 
would not touch any thing for days. The bowels were very ir- 
regular, and, on account of rumination being suspended, the food 
passed through her in a half-masticated state. 

The post mortem, four hours after death, revealed general anaemia 
of the subcutaneous and muscular tissues, these being seemingly in 
a broken-down condition. The blood in the veins was pale and 
thin. The abomasum, small intestines, and liver were congested ; 
but even here the blood was of the same watery character as in 
other parts. The gall-bladder was distended with thin, lemon- 
colored bile. The thoracic cavity contained rather a large amount 
of clear serum. The pericardium was distended by a layer of 
lymph, about two inches in thickness, gluing together its two 
surfaces, and containing, near the apex of the heart, nearly a pint 
of dirty, whey-colored fluid, of a fetid odor. The lymph was 
easily removed from the heart, and between it and the muscular 
tissue of the organ was a layer of cartilaginous substance, about a 
quarter of an inch in thickness, covered by a serous glistening 
membrane. Toward the apex of the heart this had formed bands 
of connection between the two surfaces of the pericardium, but in 
all other parts it was confined to the visceral pericardium only. 
The lungs were slightly congested. The plurse were as described 
in the former case." 

Hypertrophy of the Heart. 

Hypertrophy signifies augmentation — thickening of the muscu- 
lar substance of an organ, resulting from increased nutrition. It 
generally pccurs in animals of the sanguine temperament, of vig- 
orous health, their muscles being much harder and firmer than 
usual. In such animals the blood is rich, and nutrition is very 
active. I have often visited market for the purpose of inspecting 
the hearts of slaughtered oxen, and I have observed that hyper- 
trophy generally occurs in the left ventricle. Sometimes its walls 
are thickened, the cavity retaining its natural dimensions. Occa- 
sionally the cavity is dilated and the wall thickened, but, in the 



THE HEART— ITS FUNCTION AND DISEASES. 551 

majority of cases, the walls are thickened and the cavity dimin- 
ished. This constitutes the disease known as true or concentric 
hypertrophy (enlargement) . 

This disease, when moderate and uncomplicated, is not pro- 
ductive of much inconvenience to the bovine species, whose mo- 
tions are slow ; yet occurring in a horse, it would produce much 
inconvenience, and render the animal almost useless for speed. 

Symptoms. — A person unacquainted with the heart's sounds will 
find it impossible to diagnose a disease of this character ; in fact, 
such a disease will sometimes defy the scrutiny of experts. A 
deadened sound is always heard when the ear of a person is applied 
to the region of the heart, yet this depends somewhat on the form 
of the disease, its complications, the nature and intensity of the 
exciting causes, and the condition of the patient. On applying 
the finger to the pulse at the angle of the jaw, or on the temporal 
artery, it will appear that the circulation is embarrassed. 

Treatment. — No rules can be laid down for the treatment of this 
affection, and the only agent of any value is iodine, or iodide of 
potassium. It is possible, however, that in a case of this character 
the butcher may prove to be the best doctor. 

Endocaeditis. 

Endocarditis is an inflammatory affection, located in the mem- 
brane within the heart. It is a rare disease among cattle, yet very 
frequently occurs among horses. 

Symptoms. — Like all inflammatory conditions, this is attended 
with heat about the base of the horns ; hot and feverish mouth ; 
vitiation of the secretions ; cessation of rumination ; some degree 
of suffering, of a peculiar character, not noticed in any other af- 
fection. The pulse is violent, abrupt, strong, full, and may range 
up to eighty; every motion the animal makes accelerates the 
respiration ; yet the lungs show no signs of disease. On examin- 
ing the heart after death, its internal membrane is thickened, and 
appears of a dark purple color; clots of extravasated blood are 
also present on its internal surface. 

Treatment. — Administer a cathartic drench, say about sixteen 
ounces of Glauber salts in a couple of quarts of tepid water ; then 
give half an ounce of powdered nitrate of potassa in a little water, 
every four hours, until the force of the pulse is essentially lowered. 



552 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



In the mean time, administer an occasional clyster of soap and warm 
water. 

This disease has occasionally a rheumatic origin ; so that if the 
animal be taken suddenly with inflammatory muscular lameness 
assuming the features of rheumatism, shifting from one limb to 
another, and then leaving the region of the first attack and going 
to the heart, I should prescribe two fluid drachms of wine of col- 
chicum, in a gill of water, every morning, and at night, twenty- 
five grains of iodide of potass, in half a gill of water. 







CELEBRATED BULL *' DUTCHMAN." 



SECTION XXII. 

DISEASES OF THE EYE AND ITS MEMBRANES. 

Description of the Eye — Humors of the Eye — Coats of the Eye — Muscles 
of the Eye and Eyelids — Ophthalmia — Foreign Bodies in the Eyes — Spe- 
cific or Periodical Ophthalmia — Cancer in Cattle. 

Description of the Eye. 

THE eyes of oxen are frequently the seat of various forms of 
disease, hence it is necessary that the farmer should know 
something of their wonderful mechanism ; I therefore propose to 
give a description of the same. The eye is protected by a bony 
casing known as the orbit, which appears to be much stronger than 
that found in the horse. In the interior part we find a large quan- 
tity of fatty matter which acts as a soft cushion for the eye to 
repose on, and, at the same time, as the fatty matter accumulates, 
it gives prominence to the eye and increases the range of vision. 

Humors of the Eye. 

The humors of the eye are named aqueous, crystalline, and 
vitreous — three in number. The aqueous humor fills the interval 
between the cornea and crystalline lens, and is surrounded by a 
capsule of its own, on the inner surface of which is secreted the 
aqueous humor. The uses of this limpid fluid appear to be to 
transmit the rays of light and permit free motions of the iris. The 
fluid is frequently evacuated and reproduced. - 

Crystalline Lens. — This is situated in a concavity behind the 
aqueous humor, and anterior to the vitreous, opposite to the pupil. 
In appearance it resembles a crystal or lens of magnifying glass, 
and is composed of concentric lamellae, and these of radii. Its 
form is spherical, yet the posterior surface is more convex than 

(553) 



554 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

the anterior. Like the other humors of the eye, it is enveloped 
in a capsule, and the disease known as cataract consists of altered 
structure in the lens or its capsule ; sometimes both are involved. 
Acids, alcohol, and boiling water convert it into an opaque, solid 
body, resembling the white of an egg when boiled. The function 
of the crystalline lens is to concentrate the rays of light so as to 
form a distinct image on the interior of the eye. 

Vitreous Humor. — This jelly like substance derives its name 
from its glassy appearance. It occupies the posterior concavity of 
the globe of the eye, known as the " dark chamber." It fills the 
membranes, aids to maintain the form of the eye, and keeps the 
crystalline lens at a proper and physiological distance from the 
retina. Anatomists have hitherto failed in detecting any signs of 
vascularity in the vitreous humor. 

Coats of the Eye. 

1. Tunica Conjunctiva. — This membrane is very highly organ- 
ized, lines the eyelids, and is reflected over the anterior part of the 
eyeball. It covers the region known as the pupil, yet is pervious 
to the rays of light. Previous, however, to being reflected over 
the globe, it gives a covering to the membran beneath, carunculse 
lacrymale, and puncta lachrymalia. 

2. Tunica Sclerotica. — This tunic is made up of fibers, which 
are very dense, yet elastic. It constitutes what is commonly 
known as the " white of the eye," extends from the junction of the 
optic nerve with the globe to the cornea, and, more than any other 
tunic of the eye, tends to preserve its form. It also affords attach- 
ment for most of the muscles of the eye — the retractor and four 
recti. 

3. Cornea. — This is a dense and compact membrane, yet com- 
posed of laminated structure, which accounts for the opacity or 
" filmy " obscurity so often encountered in veterinary practice ; for, 
in a physiological condition of the eye, the lamina? are compact, 
like a house newly shingled ; but, in consequence of untoward 
circumstances, a leak occurs ; a watery exudation then sets in. The 
cornea may be considered as the shield that protects the eye, yet, 
in consequence of its transparency, it is also operative in the pro- 
duction of vision. 

4. Iris. — This is the movable curtain of the eye, adapts the eye 



DISEASES OF THE EYE AND ITS MEMBRANES. 555 

to vision, possesses the property of contraction and expansion. In 
its center is a perforation commonly known as the pupil. The 
dimension of the pupil depends entirely on its contraction and di- 
latation. In a very dark barn (provided the eye be in a healthy 
condition), the pupil will be very much dilated; in a barn well 
lighted, the pupil will be quite small. The iris is a fibro-niuscu- 
lar membrane, abundantly supplied with blood-vessels and nerves, 
and coated with a substance known as uvea, which is derived from 
the pigment. The arteries of the iris come from the ciliary ; its 
nerves are derived from the ciliary. 

5. Choroid Coat. — This coat, or membrane, lies beneath the 
sclerotica. It extends from the optic foramen to the ciliary edge 
of the cornea. Both of its surfaces are coated with pigment, 
which absorb the rays of light. The outer coating is entirely 
black ; the inner one is a mixture of black and green, which lines 
the posterior half of the dark chamber. 

6. The Retina. — This is the third or inner coat of the eye. It 
is a delicate, transparent membrane, highly vascular. The prin- 
cipal part of it, probably, consists of an expansion of the optic 
nerve ; it is the part on which the object of vision is depicted. It 
is supplied with blood by branches from the central artery of the 
retina. 

Muscles of the Eye and Eyelids. 

The first muscle which attracts our attention, on removing the 
palpebral integument, is the orbicularis palpebrarum, so named 
from the spherical or circular arrangement of its muscular fibers. 
It is inserted into the orbital portion of the ungis and os frontis 
to the palpebral ligament, and to the skin of the lids. Its use is to 
shut the eyelids. 

Levator Palpebral Superioris. — The action of this muscle is to 
corrugate and draw the lid upward. It is located above the orbit, 
and is attached to the forehead by means of an aponeurotic expan- 
sion, and is inserted into the upper eyelid, its muscular fibers being 
blended with those of the preceding muscle. Its action is to raise 
the upper eyelid, in which action it is aided by the levator palpe- 
bral internus. 

Next, we find four muscles known as recti; namely, levator 
oculi, depressor oculi, abductor oculi, adductor oculi. They are 
inserted into the cavity of the orbit and external part of the scler- 



556 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

otica, at points equidistant from each other. The action of these 
four muscles are as follows: The levator raises the eyeball in a 
superior direction ; the depressor, as its name indicates, depresses 
the eyeball ; the abductor turns the eyeball from the axis of the 
body outward; and the adductor rotates the eyeball inward, or 
toward the axis of the body. 

The three remaining muscles, making seven proper to the eye, 
are named obliquus superiora, et inferiora, and retractor oculi. 
The obliquus superiora is found in the upper part of the inner 
cavity of the orbit, and is attached to the margin of the optic far- 
amen. At the inner canthus of the eye it passes through a fibro- 
cartilaginous pulley-like arrangement, by which means the eyeball 
is rotated in an oblique direction upward and outward. 

Obliquus Superiora. — This muscle is found beneath the eyeball, 
in the front and lower part of the orbit. It is attached to the os 
unguis, and to the lower and outer part of the sclerotica, at its 
junction with the transparent part of the globe. Its action is 
antagonistic to that of the preceding muscle. 

The seventh and last muscle to be described is the retractor. 
It is one of the most admirably-arranged muscles in the whole 
animal economy. In figure it resembles a hollow cone — its apex 
turned backward, its base pointing forward, the inner edge sur- 
rounding the optic foramen, and, at the same time, offering pro- 
tection to the optic nerve. Around its sides, equidistant, are found 
the four recti muscles, making a very complex and wonderful piece 
of mechanism. The action of this muscle is to draw the eye back- 
ward within the orbit. 

I shall now make some brief yet instructive allusions in rela- 
tion to the appendages of the eye. The appendages comprise the 
eyelids, eyelashes, tarsal cartilages, meibomian glands, lachrymal 
glands, caruncula lachrymalis, punctu lachrymalia, lachrymal sac, 
and ductus ad nasum. 

Eyelids. — The upper and lower eyelids may be considered as 
the movable blinds of the eye. The upper is the most capable of 
corrugation, and borders the greatest surface of the eyeball. It is 
readily resolved into wrinkles. At the junctures of the aperture 
which separates the eyelids are the canthi, or angles of the eye. 
The loose portion of integument entering into the composition of 
the upper lid is derived from the skin covering the frontal region, 
and that of the lower lid is derived from the face. The lids inter- 



DISEASES OF THE EYE AND ITS MEMBRANES. 557 

nally form two cavities, thus adapting themselves to the convexity 
of the globe. Their internal surfaces are lined with the tunica 
conjunctiva. The borders of the eyelids have two margins. On 
the outer one we find eyelashes ; between the latter and the inter- 
nal margin we find the orifices of the ciliary glands, through which 
issue a secretion for the lubrication of the surrounding parts. The 
edge, or surface between the two margins just alluded to, conduct 
the tears into the puncta lachrymalis. 

Eyelashes. — The eyelashes (cilia) are so familiar to the reader, 
and their function is so apparent, that I need not trouble him 
with any remarks about them, only to observe that, by their 
advantageous arrangement, the rays of light, come from whatever 
direction they may, are somewhat intercepted; and they also op- 
erate as feeders to the seeing as well as the sightless animal, and 
warn him of his proximity with bodies that he can not immedi- 
ately perceive. 

Tarsal Cartilages. — These fibrocartilaginous substances are 
found at the ciliary margins of the upper and lower lids. They 
possess firm and thick ciliary margins, yet grow thin as they 
recede from the cilia. In consequence of their close connection 
with the rim of the orbit, they are called, by some anatomists, 
"tarsal ligaments." Their function is to give some degree of 
firmness to the eyelids, or the soft parts of the same, and they 
also preserve the physiological curvature of the eyelash. 

Ciliary or Meibomian Glands. — On inverting the eyelids of a 
horse, and carefully running the eye over the borders of the lids, 
within the grooves, occurring in the concave part of the tarsal 
cartilages, we perceive, through a very fine tunic or membrane, a 
number of opaque sacs, having a miniature canal, capable of pene- 
tration by a small body equal in caliber to the point of a common 
needle. They are evidently glandular bodies, and, therefore, 
have excretory ducts, which pour out the necessary lubricating 
material to prevent the agglutination of the lids. 

Lachrymal Gland. — This gland lies underneath the process of 
bone known as the orbital arch. It is covered by the lining 
membrane of the orbit. It is a gland of the conglomerate class, 
being composed of many lobules. These lobules are composed 
of granules, from which spring the excretory ducts, and they, by 
interunion, form a set of tubes which terminate on the conjunc- 
tiva of the upper lid. The office of this gland is to secrete the 



558 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

tears, which run into the ducts, and are then poured on the con- 
j unctiva. 

Carunoula Lachrymalis, — At the inferior canthus of the eye, 
between the eyeball and eyelids, is seen a small, black tubercle, 
called the caruncula lachrymalis. It is not a secretory organ, but 
appears to be placed there for the mechanical purpose of directing 
the tears into the puncta lachrymalis. 

Lachrymal Puncta and Conduits. — The puncta are two small 
orifices, seen in the inner margins of the lids, at the root of the 
caruncle. They are the openings of two canals found within the 
substance of the lids, termed lachrymal conduits ; they terminate 
in the lachrymal sac. 

Lachrymal Sac. — The lachrymal sac is a funnel-shaped mem- 
branous bag, lodged in close proximity with the lachrymal for- 
amen. This sac serves as a reservoir, into which the tears flow 
from the lachrymal conduits. The lachrymal sac terminates in 
the ductus ad nasum. 

Ductus ad Nasum. — The office of this duct is to convey away 
the tears as fast as they are collected within the lachrymal sac. 
The duct terminates at the inner and inferior part of the nostril. 
It is formed by a prolongation of the membrane which enters into 
the composition of the lachrymal sac. 

Ophthalmia. 

Symptoms. — Ophthalmia, or inflammation of the eye, is quite a 
common affection among neat stock. It frequently occurs with- 
out any assignable cause, except the concentration of morbid 
action or morbid material in the tissual membranes. It is always 
attended with more or less pain, tenderness, and tumefaction, and 
the tears being secreted faster than they can be carried through 
the ductus ad nasum, flow over the lower lid. This simple dis- 
eased condition differs from what is known as specific or periodi- 
cal ophthalmia. There is no constitutional disturbance to be 
noticed, nor symptomatic fever, and the affection appears to be 
confined to the conjunctivial membrane only. 

Treatment. — The treatment should commence by giving the 
animal a dose of Glauber salts, which consists of twelve ounces 
of salts dissolved in one quart of tepid water. The action of this 
medicine will be to remove morbid matter from the system. The 



DISEASES OF THE EYE AND ITS MEMBRANES. 559 

eye should be carefully fomented with a warm infusion of hops,* 
after which lay a piece of wetted rag over the eye and fasten it 
to the horns. I could name many favorite local applications 
(lotions) for the disease in this stage, but, in my opinion, cold 
water surpasses them all. The food should consist of scalded 
shorts, the animal to be kept quiet in comfortable quarters. 

Foeeign Bodies in the Eye. 

If an animal should suffer in consequence of irritation and 
tumefaction of the lids of one eye, and a little pus or matter can 
be detected, the probability is that some foreign body, such as a 
piece of hay, straw, or dirt, has insinuated itself between the ball 
and eyelid, and has become lodged there. In a case of this char- 
acter, the lids must be carefully inverted, one after the other, and 
examined. The removal of the foreign body is equivalent to a 
cure ; for very little, if any, after-treatment is needed, with the 
exception of cleansing the eye with cold water. 

Specific oe Peeiodical Ophthalmia. 

This dangerous form of disease is termed periodical, because, 
having once made its appearance, there is a liability of a recur- 
rence. It is not, however, so prevalent among cattle as among 
horses. It is a disease which, finally, is sure and certain to end 
in cataract, or disorganization of the eye. In this stage perhaps 
the butcher would be the best doctor. 

It may be proper, however, to give the reader some idea of the 
nature and symptoms of this malady, so that common ophthalmia 
may not be confounded with nor mistaken for it. It has been 
observed, in the preceding article, that common ophthalmia was 
confined to the membranes of the eye. The disease now under 
consideration makes its ravages on the inner structures of the eye, 
the external covering being only sympathetically involved. On 
parting the swollen lids, and if the cornea be not too opaque, we 
shall find that the aqueous humor is thick and muddy; the iris, 
lens, and other internal parts are altered in texture and structure ; 
in fact, the eye has all the appearance of being ruined, which is 
probably the case. The remote causes of this disease are consti- 
tutional predisposition. 



560 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

» There are several other affections of the eyes of oxen and cows, 
but, as they are incurable, the subjects must*be referred to the 
butcher. 

Cancer in Cattle. 

Cancer is a peculiar malignant growth, affecting one or more 
parts of the body. It probably owes its origin to some pecu- 
liarity of constitution. It is usually divided into two stages. 
The first is that of scirrhous, or hardening of the soft parts ; the 
second is that of open cancer, or ulceration. In this stage, a foul 
fungus sore is observed, having an irregular surface of varied 
hue, with elevated, everted, and rough margins. 

Treatment. — The popular method of treating this dreadful mal- 
ady is to dissect out the diseased parts; but this rarely succeeds, 
for the disease generally has an origin beyond the reach of our 
scalpel. The only remedies of any value, in curable cases, are 
bloodroot and iodide of potassium. The parts should be sprinkled 
often with powdered bloodroot, and the patient should have twenty 
grains per day of iodide of potassium. 

A writer in the " Eclectic Journal " offers the following as the 
pathology of cancer : 

" According to the researches of the most eminent physiolo- 
gists, malignant growths are composed of two parts, granules or 
cells, with cell germs, and granules within them, nourished with 
fat cells and globules, and of fibrous tissue or stroma, in which 
the former parts are embedded. Malignant growths are com- 
posed chiefly of albumen, supplied with blood-vessels, but differ 
in their essential elements — namely, in their chemical and micro- 
scopic — from healthy tissue. The development of this disease is 
evidently a perversion of the ordinary process of nutrition. The 
lymph, or blastema, which exudes through the capillaries, either 
in the ordinary course of nutrition or through some accidental 
inflammation, appears to have its vitality perverted; so that, 
instead of forming itself into one of the proper tissues of the 
body, it forms the irregular abnormal cells, which constitute this 
species of growth. These abnormal cells are deposited in distinct 
masses, or else spread through the tissue of the organ or part, 
which it ultimately supersedes. When once formed, they in- 
crease in size by the constant formation of new cells, which are 
supplied with fresh material from the blood. In the course of 



DISEASES OF THE EYE AND ITS MEMBRANES. 561 

time, the older portions of cancerous growth lose their vitality, 
soften down, their outer surface ulcerates, and a sanious discharge 
follows." 

The following case appeared in the "Veterinarian," and is 
selected for the instruction of the reader : 

" About two years since, we were called in to attend a cow, the 
property of a gentleman residing in our neighborhood. On ex- 
amiDation, we perceived a cauliflower excrescence growing from 
the membrana nictitans, about the size of a strawberry, from 
which issued an ichorous discharge that excoriated the adjacent 
parts, and which bled on the slightest touch. We at once de- 
cided upon taking it out, and this was accordingly done, the parts 
being subsequently touched with lunar caustic. After this the 
cow appeared to go on well for about twelve months, without any 
reappearance of the cancerous growth. At the conclusion of that 
time, we were again sent for, and found the cornea had become 
of a bottle-green color, and that the sight of the eye was com- 
pletely gone. About three months after this a fungoid growth 
sprouted from the cornea, which increased in size very rapidly, 
but was repressed by the application of a little burnt alum. 
Shortly after this the eye receded considerably into the socket, 
and eventually it sloughed entirely away. Some weeks after- 
ward she became partially paralyzed, and was unable to masti- 
cate. The lower lip was pendulous; the ear hung down by the 
side of the neck on the affected side; difficulty of deglutition 
was experienced, and the saliva flowed from the mouth, mingled 
with the partially-masticated food. Attenuation of the paralyzed 
muscles quickly followed, and much general emaciation of the 
frame. The owner being desirous of obtaining another calf from 
her, she was kept alive with gruel ; but, as it was soon seen she 
could not live so as to give birth to a calf, she was destroyed. 
This being a fortnight before her time, the calf was immediately 
taken out, and it seemed likely to live and do well. It however 
lived only three days, the immediate cause of death being inju- 
dicious feeding." 
36 



SECTION XXIII. 

HERNIA, OR RUPTURES. 

Forms op Rupture — Inguinal Hernia — Strangulated Hernia — Ventral 

Hernia. 

Hernia. 

HERNIA signifies rupture, or unnatural protrusion of a por- 
tion of the intestines or the omentum. In consequence of 
the rough encounters which horned creatures frequently engage 
in, they are liable to suffer from the consequences of external 
violence, and a pregnant cow, with a distended abdomen, is more 
apt to be injured in this way than the male. Still, an accident 
of this kind will occasionally occur without the intervention of 
external injuries; for the cow is often the subject of dropsy of the 
womb, and in such condition the abdomen is distended to an enor- 
mous capacity. The only thing that can be done in a case of 
this character, is to rupture the foetal membranes by means of a 
blunt instrument, introduced through the neck of the uterus. 
This will not only evacuate the fluid, but also bring on premature 
labor, and thus the lives of both mother and calf may be saved ; 
provided, however, the calf be full grown. 



Forms of Rupture. 

There are various forms of rupture. A calf is occasionally 
born with a tumor or enlargement in the region of the navel. 
This is known as congenital umbilical hernia. It is termed con- 
genital in consequence of being present at birth, and umbilical 
because it is found in the umbilical region. 

Treatment. — This form of hernia is not a very serious matter, 
(562) 



HERNIA, OR RUPTURES. 563 

and very rarely requires an operation. My usual course is to 
apply some cotton-batting, wet with an astringent (infusion of 
bay berry bark), and over the same a bandage, which must be 
passed twice round the body ; yet, if the part is bathed occasion- 
ally with infusion of bayberry, the bandage and batting can be 
dispensed with. The reason why a case of this kind is not a 
serious affair, is because there is no rupture of the walls of the 
abdomen, but a mere purse, or dilated state of the common integ- 
uments, exists, which, if necessary, can be sloughed off by the 
application of a common pair of clams. 

Inguinal Hernia. 

When rupture in the groin appears at birth, it is congenital, 
and consists of a portion of intestine, which has found its way 
through the inguinal canal (the channel through which the tes- 
ticle descends into the scrotum). 

Treatment. — This can readily be reduced by raising the animal 
by its hind legs, and giving it a few jerks upward. If the intes- 
tine slips down again, and the case requires it, I should castrate 
the animal, and put a stitch or two in the external ring, or else 
castrate by the clam method, which will produce considerable 
swelling, and block up the passage so that the bowel can not de- 
scend. The clams may be removed at the end of twelve hours. 

Strangulated Hernia. 

The intestine will occasionally descend into the scrotum, and 
become strangulated, so that it can not be returned. 

Treatment. — In a case of this character, the operator must dilate 
the ring (through which the intestine descended), by means of a 
probe-pointed bistoury. Having returned the bowel, let the ani- 
mal be castrated, and then apply the clams. Strangulated hernia 
occurring in any other part of the body must be treated as fol- 
lows : If the protruded bowel is tumefied in consequence of gas 
within, it may be punctured, in one or two places, by means of a 
suture-needle. This will allow the gas to escape. Then efforts 
should be made to return the protrusion. Failing to accomplish 
this object, in consequence of stricture or thickening of the walls 
of the abdomen, I should introduce the bistoury, and dilate the 



564 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

wound. The reader will infer, and rightly so, that I am alluding 
to a case in which there is an accidental external wound; other- 
wise it would constitute what is called ventral hernia. 



Ventral Hernia. 

This form of hernia consists of an escape of a portion of the 
intestines through a rent in the abdominal muscles, creating a 
tumor beneath the common integument. This tumor may exist 
for some time without affecting the animal's health, but when it 
increases in size, so as to be bulky, or becomes strangulated, an 
operation must immediately be performed. In performing the 
operation, however, it must be borne in mind that the protruded 
bowel has pushed before it a portion of the peritoneum (the lining 
membrane of the cavity of the abdomen) ; therefore the intestine 
is contained in a sac, which should also be returned, along with 
the intestine, into the abdominal cavity. 

Treatment. — The mode of operation in cases of ventral hernia 
is to cast and etherize the animal. A semilunar incision is then 
made over the tumor, the convex border of the flap being down- 
ward. The panniculus carnosus (subcutaneous muscle), or super- 
ficial fascia, is also divided. A probe-pointed bistoury is then 
introduced between the bowel and edge of the wound. This must 
be dilated or made sufficiently large to allow the return of the 
intestine. The rent in the muscles is then to be strongly sutured, 
ind one end of the suture should be left long enough to hang out 
of the wound ; the integuments are then to be brought together in 
the same manner, after which dress the wound with tincture of 
aloes. In the course of eight or ten days a pull may be made on 
the ends of the deep-seated sutures, to see if they are ready to 
come away, yet it is best not to remove them until they are quite 
loose. 

It is impossible in a work of this character to furnish the reader 
with all the information necessary to meet the emergencies which 
may occur in the various forms of hernia ; for their management 
and treatment require more than ordinary skill, and many persons, 
who consider themselves competent to prescribe for the ordinary 
diseases of cattle, are willing to acknowledge themselves at fault 
when consulted on the subject of rupture; and, lest my own re- 
marks on this subject may prove of little avail in furnishing the 



HERNIA, OR RUPTURES. 565 

husbandman, in the hour of need, the necessary instruction, I 
introduce the two following cases, selected from the " London 
Veterinarian." Mr. James Stowar furnishes the following case 
of strangulated hernia : 

"On the 17th of September, 1850, I was called to the farm of 
Ashogle, to see a cow which had been injured by the horns of 
another ; but, as I had left home that afternoon for a distance, 
and did not return until late next day, I did not see the cow until 
the 19th. I found her with a hernial tumor protruding from the 
right iliac, which remained covered within the skin, so large that 
a bushel measure would not have contained it. She was evidently 
in much pain while standing, and would stand only a very short 
time. I was told that she had eaten a good deal since the acci- 
dent, and, as a stoppage of the dung was observed, they had given 
her a pound of Epsom salts. Her abdomen was enormously dis- 
tended, notwithstanding the largeness of the hernial tumor. The 
non-escape of the feces was proof positive, under the circum- 
stances, of the hernia being strangulated. 

I had her laid on the left side, as carefully as possible, and, 
after every attempt to return the hernia by external manipulation 
had failed, I cut into the sac, and attempted to knead in, inch by 
inch, the gorged intestines ; but in this, also, I failed. The hernial 
opening was large enough to admit three of my fingers, so that it 
was not want of room in that, but in the abdominal cavity, which 
was so fully distended by the intestines forming the hernia, that 
caused the difficulty. I had her laid upon her back, with her 
hind legs drawn up, so as to throw the contents of the abdomen 
as much as possible upon the diaphragm. Even then, however, 
I could not succeed. I therefore, with a sharp-pointed scalpel, 
cut into the intestine, and emptied it entirely of its semifluid 
contents, stitched up the wound, and washed it carefully, and so, 
ultimately, accomplished the reduction. With a strong cord I 
closed the hernial opening, as well as the one I had made through 
the skin, nine inches further up ; I then turned her on her left 
side, and in a few minutes the feces began to escape by their 
proper channel. I gave linseed oil, twenty ounces, and tincture 
of opium, one ounce. Next morning I found her up, stepping 
through the shed, inclined to eat, her bowels acting freely. I had 
her tightly bandaged, to support the abdomen, and made an open- 
ing to allow the escape of discharge at the bottom of the sac. I 



566 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

saw her daily for a week, and prescribed according to the state in 
which I found her. On the whole, her health proved good, and 
her wounds healed pleasantly. She was fourteen years old, and, 
like most cows, had a large belly. She fattened well, and was 
sold for the shambles in April. The butcher told the farmer that 
he found a large abscess in her side when he cut her up." 

The next case is that of ventral hernia, furnished by Mr. G. 
Lewis : 

" In September last, I was requested to examine a heifer, which 
was said to have a ' swelling on her right side.' I found her with 
a pendulous bag, hanging very low on the right flank, and of an 
immense size. Upon a close examination of the parts, I ascer- 
tained that the enlargement was produced by an escape of the 
intestines through a rent in the abdominal muscles. I informed 
the owner that nothing short of an operation could be productive 
of benefit to the animal, and I also pointed out to him the nature 
of the case, and its probable results. 

According to the arrangement, the heifer was sent to me on 
September 6, when, after due preparation by medicine, etc., I had 
her cast and secured, and then carefully made an opening through 
the skin and panniculus muscle, immediately over the laceration 
in the other muscles, but a little longer than it. I thus exposed 
the rent which existed in the external and also the internal 
oblique. The edges of the aperture were very uneven and much 
thickened; and I may state in this place that the enlargement 
had been observed a month prior to this date. A large portion 
of the intestines were found to have escaped into the sac formed 
by the panniculus and common integument ; besides which, a con- 
siderable quantity of serous fluid existed beneath the skin, and 
externally to the panniculus, which had doubtless been thrown 
out by the injured vessels. 

The intestines being returned into the abdominal cavity, the 
edges of the laceration were brought together with strong metallic 
sutures, and properly secured. The external wound was then 
closed ; and, before allowing the animal to rise, I passed a seton 
through the most depending portion of the integumental sac, with 
a view to give a gradual and continuous exit to the serous effu- 
sion . A compress was also placed upon the part to remove as 
much of the pressure of the viscera as possible, after which the 
animal was allowed to rise. 



HERNIA, OR RUPTURES. 



567 



For several days the bowels remained obstinately constipated, 
and some symptomatic fever was also present; but, by proper 
measures, these unfavorable symptoms were soon removed. The 
animal was allowed only linseed tea and thin gruel for a few days. 
Subsequently a large amount of serous fluid was discharged through 
the openings made for the introduction of the seton ; it however, 
soon ceased. The sutures also came away in due course, leaving 
but little appearance of the original injury." 




VIEW OF SOME OF THE SUPERFICIAL MUSCLES. 



SECTION XXIV. 

DISEASES OF THE BONES. 

Cachexia Ossafraga — Bone Disorders — Mechanism and Structure of Bones — 
Composition of Bones — Ultimate Constituents of Bones — Dilatation of the 
Jaw Bones — Abscess beneath the Periosteum, at the Angle of the Jaw — 
Exostosis, or Deposit of the Calcareous Matter on the Surface of Bones 
— Caries, ob Ulceration of Bones — Preliminary to Horn-Ail — On Sympa- 
thy and the Sympathetic Relations which exist in the Animal Economy — 
Horn-Ail — Tail- Ail. 

Cachexia Ossafraga (the "Cripple").* 

" A LTHOUGH using this term as the title of my subject, I do 
il. not consider it to give an idea of the exact character of the 
disease I am about to describe, but' merely to convey an impression 
of a very prominent symptom of the disease. As many other 
maladies existing in different localities, this one is very differently 
treated of in our veterinary works. The inefficiency of our works 
on cattle medicine is sufficiently apparent to the practitioner, who, 
after a nominal term spent at college, enters into the world of 
medicine a sufficiently-educated person, as his diploma gives him 
to understand ; but how frequently is he wofully disappointed when 
called to any of the several enzootics in cattle which he finds have 
not been treated of, perhaps not mentioned either at college or in 
the books ! 

The present subject is one, among others, which is not discussed 
in British works on cattle medicine. It is a disease very preva- 
lent in many districts I am personally acquainted with, and in all 
of which it passes under the very expressive term of ' cripple/ the 
appearance of the animal fully confirming the term. It seldom 
happens that a solitary case occurs on a farm which is subject to it; 

* P. Sarginson, V. S. 
668 



DISEASES OF THE BONES 569 

for all the milch cows, and perhaps some of the younger stock, are 
more or less affected by it. Such farms are considered to be of 
much less value than other places on which it does not occur, not 
only from the unthrifty condition of the stock, but also as regards 
fertility, as they are never found to be very productive, and among 
farmers they pass under the cognomen of ' crippled places/ The 
disease will never be found to exist on farms that are fertile and 
rich; in fact, a certain guide to the locale of this affection is to 
look out for farms that are situated on high lands, possessing 
stunted hedges and trees, a barren, or, at least, a poor soil, produc- 
ing a dry, short, and innutritious herb. On passing over the 
farm, the limestone rock will, most generally, be seen to project 
out of the soil, proving that it is situated on the limestone ; or by 
examining the rivulets, if any, that flow through the farm, the 
water will appear to be beautifully transparent, so that the smallest 
pebble may be discerned on its bed. There is, also, in the gener- 
ality of instances, the limestone rock forming its bed. When this 
is present, any old farmer will tell you that the water which seems 
to be so limpid and pure is ' hard/ and that the cattle confined to 
it are certain to be crippled. I have, however, noted farms where 
the water which supplied them was charged with a carbonate of 
lime, and still no cripple exists on them. This is, undoubtedly, 
owing to the character of the soil, which, on examination, is found 
loamy and free, and lying on the red sandstone rock. " I have also 
noticed ' cripple ' prevailing on farms supplied with water running 
over mosses, etc., which, from the experience of intelligent farm- 
ers, has been said to be antagonistic to this affection. This, in my 
opinion, is caused from the character of the soil proving to be of 
an undoubted calcareous character, intermixed with clay. Al- 
though it can not be doubted but that the water supplying farms 
impregnated with any principle of an injurious character will have 
an influence in the production of disease, yet, in the instances 
quoted, it appears that the character of the herbage produced on 
such farms either counteracted the injurious influence of the water, 
or, on the other hand, destroyed or overbalanced the influence of 
the mossy water. 

From what has been stated, it will be seen that the ' cripple' 
will and does exist on those farms where the soil is calcareous and 
clayey, and that it is evident that such soils are incapable of pro- 
ducing a succulent and healthy plant ; in fact, will the herb not be 



570 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

surcharged with calcareous and silicious elements ? and is there not 
a deficiency of azote-producing principles ? As it is well known 
that where nitrogen abounds a luxuriant herbage is the result, we 
need go no further in support of this than a farm on which an 
abundant supply of its manure is spread. How much more abun- 
dant and luxuriant is the character of the vegetation from the use 
of decomposed vegetable matter and animal excreta? than from 
any thing else. If, therefore, the herb, grown on these ' crippled 
farms' be unhealthy, as there is little doubt, the animals partak- 
ing of such will, without doubt, in the course of time, have their 
systems seriously deranged, and the character of derangement will 
depend either upon an insufficient supply of nitrogenous material, 
inducing, consequently, emaciation and pure debility; or it may 
be that, where this deficiency of azotized material exists, the earthy 
salts may not exist in an abnormal degree, but still, from a want 
of other nutritious material to counteract their ill effect, the sys- 
tem may become charged with them. When the herbage and other 
produce of the soil is charged with earthy salts, whether carbonates 
or silicates, they would, in all probability, become assimilated, or, 
at least, there would be a tendency to the deposition of these salts 
into the various textures, such as the cartilages, ligaments, and 
cardiac valves, etc., all of which lesions are apparent, to a greater 
or less degree, in all the animals which have died of this disease 
that I have examined. Some are of opinion that it is owing alto- 
gether to an excess of carbonate of lime in the soil and waters; 
but if this were the case, the character of the farm could not be 
altered, nor the disease be removed, as has been done, and which 
will be noticed hereafter. It is most probable, at least, as far as 
my humble opinion goes, that it is induced from the combined 
influence of poverty in the soil, and an excess of astringent salts, 
silicates, etc. When I refer to the poverty of the soil, it must not 
be understood that I mean an exhausted state of the soil, because 
many of those places have not been broken up with the plow to 
any extent. Many farmers are of opinion that the labor and ex- 
pense required in the cultivation of such lands would not be com- 
pensated by their produce. If it were turned up by the plow, the 
advantages it would derive from exposure to the atmosphere and 
rain-water would be considerable. 

There are many farms which are termed crippled farms, and 
many cattle called crippled, which are not really so. The mystery 



DISEASES OF THE BONES. 571 

of this is easily explained. On strict inquiry, you will find that 
the reason the stock display so many of their bones, and walk off 
so stiff, is owing altogether to imperfect feeding. It answers as a 
good excuse for the farmer who overstocks his farm, and is thus 
compelled to serve out short rations, to say that it is the cripple 
(or any other name it may possess) that is the cause. The climate 
will, without doubt, have a great influence in modifying this dis- 
ease, as is shown by the greater severity in form on those lands 
that lie the highest, where the protection is scanty from the in- 
clemencies of the seasons. A fact connected with this affection is 
that when cattle are taken from those farms which are subject to 
it, even when suffering severely from it, to farms existing on the 
eastern banks of the river Eden (which flows through the vale of 
Westmoreland), they recover completely from its effects, and are 
perfectly free from a recurrence of the attack if they remain in 
that district. It is a common saying among farmers that ' there is 
no cripple on that side of Eden.' The character of these farms 
that are free from the affection is essentially different from those 
afflicted with it. They have a free, sandy, and rich soil, produc- 
ing excellent oats and rich meadow-grass, but their climate is 
colder, owing to their being situated near a range of mountains ; 
but if the cattle are brought on to those farms situated on the 
western bank of Eden, where the cripple prevails, they soon begin 
to show the symptoms of an attack. I do not include all the farms 
on the western bank, as some are perfectly free from it. 

From this instance, we may again be led to infer that the herb 
and water to which they had been previously subject were not 
sufficiently nutritious, or else impregnated with some injurious 
matter, because, on removal to farms producing a superior herbage, 
they have recovered, sometimes in an incredible short time, for the 
sad state they were in. On all these crippled places cows that 
yield a great quantity of milk are the soonest attacked, and the 
farmer knowing this will not take such to his farm, because he 
would soon have to ' dry ' them, or they would rapidly fail ; but 
animals that have been reared on these places are less liable to its 
attack, and are seldom so severely afflicted by it. 

Many have confounded this affection with rheumatism, but it is, 
without doubt, a distinct disease in character, as in no case of 
cripple will be seen the acute symptoms and fever which exist in 
both the acute and chronic form of rheumatism. In those cases 



572 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

where suppuration exists in the joints, and the limbs even rot off, 
it is, in my opinion, produced from the friction of the joint from 
ossified cartilage, and an evident deficiency of synovia, these in- 
ducing a local inflammation altogether differing from the peculiar 
characteristics of rheumatism, and, unlike it, the osseous system 
seems to be the principal seat of disease. 

Some cattle evince a greater predisposition than others to an 
attack, as the elderly cow and the cow that yields a great quantity 
of milk. I have never noticed young calves become affected by 
it. Some have stated them to have been so, but, on inquiry, it 
has been found to be pure arthritis, or joint-felon, from cold and 
damp houses. While one of the stock of calves has been so af- 
flicted, the others were perhaps perfectly healthy. The symptoms 
vary in degree of virulence on different farms. Some farms have 
a very slight attack, while others are very severely afflicted with 
it ; but the symptoms will vary frequently on one farm, as, on en- 
tering a cow-house with a collection of ' crippled ' cattle, it will be 
seen that some are slightly affected, while others are evidently 
suffering greatly. The disease being of a subacute character, the 
period from its first appearance in an animal to its last stage occu- 
pies frequently some years, according to the vigor of their consti- 
tutions, and the mild or severe form of the disease. There is one 
farm I am acquainted with where the owner is compelled to change 
his stock every two years, to prevent heavy losses occurring. 

Symptoms. — In the primary stage of the disease the animal pre- 
sents a lean, emaciated condition. The bones in every part of the 
body are prominent ; the skin is tight, hard, and void of all sup- 
pleness; the hair presents a coarse appearance, standing almost 
straight up, having none of its naturally smooth character about 
it ; but if we see our patient walk, it will strike us that there are 
no joints in her limbs, as she is peculiarly stiff, knocking her 
hock-joints up against each other without any regard to the un- 
stateliness of the gait. She will, also, while walking, make an 
extaordinary cracking noise, showing an insufficiency of synovia 
to lubricate the joints; the pulse, on pressure, feels flaccid, but the 
caliber is rather increased than diminished ; rumination is per- 
formed rather slow and sluggishly; appetite is not indifferent, 
eating her hay, straw, or turnips with a degree of zest. If we 
allow her to come in the neighborhood of the hedge where the 
farmer's wife has displayed her linen, she will indicate the phe- 



DISEASES OF THE BONES. . 573 

nomenon of bulimia or depraved appetite. She will seize with 
avidity the first article she reaches, and chew it with wonderful 
pleasure ; she will also hunt with avidity any sour or filthy liquids, 
even human urine, and drink them greedily; and when in the 
pasture will pick up a bone, if such can be found, and chew it for 
an hour at a time, seeming to enjoy the occupation. Stones, iron, 
sticks, clothes, etc., are all alike objects of attraction to her. This 
peculiar habit is attributable, I should think, to acidity of the 
stomach. The farmer imagines that a sod, cut from a field and 
placed before her, will palliate her affection, and the cow, to ap- 
preciate his kindness, commences to lick it, and even to devour the 
soil that is on it. I have noticed them chewing these different 
articles, and never saw one display any anxiety to swallow the 
object, but merely a desire of chewing. When such articles are 
swallowed, it will, I think, be more accidental than intentional 
on the part of the animal, but I can not be positive on this point. 
They show a particular desire to chew articles of clothing, as is 
testified by a person going to a stall-head between two of them. 
They will immediately seize his dress and chew it. The bowels 
are always more or less constipated, and the secretion of milk is 
partly checked, although but slightly. They may continue in 
this manner for a longer or shorter period, according to constitu- 
tion and external circumstances, before they display any of the 
worst symptoms concomitant on the termination of the disease. 
It is a gradual declining from the primary symptoms to those of 
a more fatal character. These may be marked by the appearance 
of tumors over the hips or stifle-joints, or, perhaps, a tumefaction 
extending from the stifle to the hock-joint, which, in the course 
of time, suppurates. In the mean time, the system, it is evident, 
is sinking. The pulse is flaccid, but still retains its caliber, al- 
though accelerated ; appetite is impaired, and rumination is per- 
formed very lazily ; constipation, if a milch cow ; the milk is now 
wholly suspended, or nearly so. If, perchance, the animal has 
swallowed any irritating or indigestible substance, which is almost 
always the case, the symptoms of indigestion will be more severe, 
with perhaps an intermittent pulse, great lameness, increasing to 
such an extent that the animal is either unwilling or incapable of 
rising ; or, perhaps, on closer examination, some bone will be 
found to have become fractured, either the scapula, femur, or the 
pelvis, or it may have occurred in any other bone, as there is the 



574 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

same tendency in all the bones to fracture, although the animal is 
fastened up in his stall, and, therefore, not subject to any of the 
ordinary causes of fracture. 

I recollect a case in which the animal could not stand. On ex- 
amination, it was found that the radius and ulna were completely 
fractured ; next day the scapula and femur were broken ; in fact, 
one after another, all the bones of the limbs became fractured, 
until the animal died from the extent of irritative fever set up, 
consequent on the fractures. Another instance of this brittleness 
of bone: A milch cow was purchased as perfectly sound. She 
was poor, and the excuse was that she was rather crippled. A 
fair price was paid for her. She walked to her new home ex- 
tremely stiff and lame. Next morning I saw her, and found the 
os ilium fractured ; afterward the femur broke, and she died. 

In the greater part of cases the brittleness of bone is present, 
and in such I never noticed any suppurative tumors, excepting 
some cases where the joints were affected, and opened from local 
inflammation. On examining some cases after death, I found at- 
tenuation of muscles, the bones polished at their extremities, and 
brittle. In some rare cases exostosis may be noticed on the body 
of the bone, but such are scarce. On the epiphyses of the bones, 
however, they will frequently be found, more especially at the 
lower extremity of the tibia. Sometimes they have existed to such 
an extent as to anchylose the hock-joint. In all the articulations 
there is evident deficiency of synovia. The different articulatory 
cartilages displayed an undoubted tendency during life to the depo- 
sition of osseous matter in them, as all of them possessed a degree 
of hardness inconsistent with nature. 

In regard to prevention, it will be evident enough that the re- 
moval of the animal from the innutritious farm to one of a richer 
and more luxuriant character will be attended with the greatest 
benefit. Many cases have been recruited even when the animal 
has been compelled to lie and eat. An important fact I wish to 
mention here is, that there are some two or three large farms in 
this neighborhood which were formerly severely afflicted with this 
disease ; but now, since they have become possessed by enterprising 
agriculturists, the disease is much abated, in fact, proving a very 
rare visitor, although these farms possess the characteristics pre- 
viously described as ' crippled places,' and were, in fact, situations 
where this disease prevailed to a serious extent. The means which 



DISEASES OF THE BONES. 575 

have been resorted to by these men were irrigation and extensive 
use of artificial and other manures on the farms, thus altering the 
character of the herbage, as it is not only more luxuriant, but evi- 
dently of a more succulent and nutritious character. They also 
cultivate a good quantity of the mangel-wurzel and linseed for 
consumption by the stock. These articles were never known on 
the farms while suffering from ' cripple.' These means have evi- 
dently produced a wonderful eifect, as they are seldom if ever af- 
flicted with it. As the disease is found to be worse during the 
autumn and winter seasons, when the cattle are brought in to dry 
food, the necessity of a succulent diet is obvious ; but still I have 
seen many bad cases during summer, on farms where the soils were 
calcareous or clayey. Where there is a scanty supply of turnips, 
and where oil-cake or other of these useful articles of diet are 
scarce, the ' cripple ' will be the most severe. In a word, to pre- 
vent it, soft nutritious diet, as turnips, mangel-wurzel, oil-cake, 
etc., must be resorted to; and the hay or straw with which the 
animals are supplied should not be the stunted and dry material 
which is produced by those lands on which the ' cripple ' is known 
to exist, but such as is produced by the plentiful use of artificial 
and other manures, to counteract the tendency of the soil to pro- 
duce a dry and stunted herb. The use of crushed oats and barley, 
along with other nutritious food, will, in the course of time, have 
a very beneficial effect also. 

When the practitioner is sought to a case of confirmed ' cripple,' 
where the preventive means have not been resorted to, it will be 
necessary to employ more active measures. Many remedies have 
been tried, with more or less benefit, according to the advance- 
ment of the disease, where the cachexia ossifraga is so predom- 
inant, and one bone becoming rapidly fractured after another, the 
case may be looked upon as altogether hopeless; but in those 
cases where the tendency to fracture is not so great, the animal 
may be recruited most generally. In recommending remedies for 
a disease possessing different phases, it is necessary to apply those 
means which seem most applicable to the one particular case in 
hand. Many disappointments have originated from the reported 
success of a particular remedy from parties who, no doubt, did 
succeed with it, while others, without taking into consideration 
the modifications of the disease, ruled by circumstances, climate, 
etc., have unmistakably failed, although the same remedy may 



576 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

have been employed, thus showing that one remedy may succeed 
admirably in one district, while in another it is sometimes nearly 
useless. 

Treatment. — The means which I have seen applied with success, 
according to the modification of the disease, were, in the cases 
where the attack is primary, the use of malt ale, administered in 
pint doses every night for a length of time; water acidulated 
with sulphuric acid, diluted, or with nitric acid, allowing the 
animal no other water to drink excepting this; also administer- 
ing the diluted sulphuric acid, twice daily ; and where constipa- 
tion is threatened by its use, it must be obviated by a laxative 
diet. Hydrochloric acid and nitric acid have been used, but the 
preference is given to the sulphuric. Sulphate of soda, in quarter- 
pound doses, combined with vegetable tonics, will sometimes be 
found useful. Camphor, in large doses, combined with tonics, 
given in cold ale instead of gruel, have been attended with good 
success; also, the use of a decoction of the willow or poplar barks, 
given in pint doses, will be found an admirable tonic for advanced 
cases. As to the use of sedatives, the animal rapidly sinks under 
their influence. The only class of medicines that have been the 
most successful were tonics. There are many cases of chronic 
rheumatism and arthrites that have been confounded with cripple, 
but any one acquainted with these diseases will readily recognize 
an essential difference between them. But, in fact, every remedy 
will be comparatively useless unless the animal be put upon a 
more nutritious diet — a diet free from astringent qualities." 

Bone Disorder. 

During the past few years I have noticed a number of articles 
in our agricultural periodicals referring to a disease named by the 
writers " Bone Disorder." The name, as the reader will perceive, 
does not throw the least ray of light on the pathology of the mal- 
ady ; in fact, it savors strongly of the so-called " horn-ail " and 
"tail-ail" — terms which apply to symptoms rather than to any 
real disorder. One writer informs us that when an animal be- 
comes the subject of bone disorder, " the bones threaten to cave 
in — have wasted away." If they do threaten to cave in, the best 
method I am acquainted with to insure an opposite tendency, is 
to promote the healthy functions of the body, and thus keep dis- 



DISEASES OF THE BONES. 577 

ease and the cattle separate. If the bones waste away, and then 
assume their original shape by merely feeding bone meal, as the 
writers contend, then the bones of cattle must possess some pecu- 
liarities that I have never, in my professional capacity, been able 
to discover. 

If the animals recover (as we are told they do), then it might 
be inferred that the bones possess properties analogous to that of 
the soft tissues — an inference which the reader knows is not 
correct. I would observe, however, that all parts of the animal 
organism undergo a very perceptible augmentation, and decrease 
or waste. Thus, up to the period of adult life, all parts of the 
animal frame increase in bulk, and give to the animal that rotund 
and symmetrical appearance which attracts the eye of all those 
who love to admire the works of Nature ; but, at last, old age 
comes on, which is attended by a gradual waste or shrinkage. 
This occurs, however, more in the muscles than in the bones ; 
yet the latter undergo some condensation, which may possibly 
lessen their volume. This, however, is a physiological result, the 
work of uncompromising Nature, over which human agency (bone 
meal included) has not the least control. 

Whenever the bones do become diseased, it is the result of he- 
reditary predisposition, of local injury, or of impaired digestion. 
So far as my inquiries have extended in relation to the character 
of the so-called bone disorder, I infer that it is a disease of a de- 
bilitating character, originating, in most cases, in the digestive 
and nutritive organs affecting not only the bones but various 
other tissues of the body, and, therefore, the only rational plan of 
treatment consists in improving the general health of the animal. 
The ways and means of accomplishing this very desirable result 
are as various as the causes which occasion the derangements. If 
it be evident (as the bone disorder theorists contend) that the 
animal organism, in such cases, is deficient in phosphate of lime, 
I have no objection to offer against the popular custom of giving 
the patient a few doses of bone meal ; for, whenever there shall 
be a deficiency of carbon in the system, bone meal may be useful 
in supporting pulmonary combustion, and thus insure healthy 
action of the organs and functions of the animal economy ; yet I 
would suggest to the intelligent reader that as bruised oats, ground 
corn, and linseed meal contain a large amount of phosphates, they 
should be selected in preference to bone meal, which I think is 
37 



578 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



more valuable as a remedial agent for a carnivorous than for a 
herbivorous animal. 

As I understand the complex theory of digestion, the value of 
food or remedial agents is in exact ratio to their adaptation for 
assimilation ; so that if their elements are only held in union by 
an uncomplex chemical affinity, as is the case with all vegetable 
productions known as food, their solution is easily and promptly 
effected by the ordinary process of insalivation, mastication, and 
remastication ; but bone meal (a popular remedy) is actually an 
animal production, (vegetable matter animalized,) and, in order 
to convert the same into the component parts of the cow's struc- 
ture, it will perhaps require more chemico-vital force to effect the 
solution than when oatmeal, etc., are used, the chemical affinity 




PELVIS AND BIBS DISEASED AND DISTORTED. 



here being weaker than is the case with bones. In the treatment 
of any and every disease, it is usual to endeavor to ascertain the 
direct causes, and, if possible, effect their removal, and whatever 
seems to be indicated we are justified in supplying; so that if 
phosphates are indicated, they may be prescribed ; yet in cases of 
emaciation, when weakness and debility preside, I should prefer 
to use nutritious food, tonics, and stimulants, instead of bone 
meal. Why not add the bone meal to the barnyard manure? 
In this way the animal would get the benefit of it in the form of 
fodder. 

In reference to a deficiency of phosphate of lime in the milk, 
which the writers alluded to have noticed, I remark that it may, 



DISEASES OF THE BONES. 579 

in part, arise from functional derangement in the digestive organs 
(in such cases a large quantity of phosphate, etc., is expelled from 
the system in the excrement) ; or the fodder itself may be deficient 
in its usual yield of phosphate of lime. We then have an evi- 
dence of vegetable disease, for I believe that the phosphate of lime 
is as necessary for the growth and integrity of the plant as it 
seems to be for the same purposes in the animal kingdom. But I 
believe that the plant can not lack phosphates without there being 
a corresponding deficiency in several other constituents which go 
to form the healthy vegetable ; so that, in such cases the disease is 
general, not local. The plant is not fiber-sick nor the cow bone- 
sick, but, in both cases, (the food of each being innutritions,) de- 
bility is the disease. 

It is well known that successive cultivation exhausts the soil, 
and uses up the constituents necessary for the growth and maturity 
of grains and fodder ; yet the pastures and plowed land might be 
made to yield good crops and rich harvests by depositing in the 
soil (in the form of animal excrement, straw, wood, ashes, lime, 
charcoal, etc.,) as much as we take out of it. The soil can not 
create any thing of itself; therefore an increase in crops can only 
be obtained by adding more of certain agents to the soil than we 
take out of it. 

" In Flanders the yearly loss of the necessary matters in the 
soil is completely restored by covering the fields with ashes of 
wood or bones, which may or may not have been lixiviated. The 
great importance of manuring with ashes has been long recog- 
nized by agriculturists as the result of experience. So great a 
value, indeed, is attached to this material, in the vicinity of Mar- 
burg and in the Wetterau, (two well-known agricultural districts,) 
that it is transported, as a manure, from the distance of eighteen 
or twenty-four miles. Its use will be at once perceived, when it 
is considered that the ashes, after being washed with water, con- 
tain silicate of potash exactly in the same proportion as in the 
straw, and that their only other constituents are salts of phos- 
phoric acid." 

It is a fact well-known to husbandmen, that some breeding 
cows do not come up to the standard of health or fair condition, 
although they are fed from the cream of the crib, on the best kind 
of fodder. The inference is that the digestive organs are not in 
working condition; therefore, in such cases, the food operates as 



580 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

an exciting cause of disease. The effects of cheap and damaged 
food are too well known. Poor food is dear at any price which 
may be asked for it. It may not furnish sufficient carbon ; if so, 
the animal is deprived of the power of reproducing itself, and 
must, eventually, suifer. 

Mechanism and Structure of Bones. 

Bones have many things in common with the soft tissues and 
organs; for example, arteries, veins, nerves, lymphatics, and a 
connecting cellular web. Their structure, in the embryotic state, 
is highly vascular, yielding, and gelatinous. They have exter- 
nally a fibrous investment, known as periosteum, which is well 
supplied with arteries, veins, nerves, and absorbents; and it is 
through the intervention of this fibrous tunic that the vessels 
proper to bones reach their ultimate destination. On the interior 
surface of hollow bones we find a membrane of similar structure, 
only more delicately organized. The cavity of the shaft-bones ia 
usually occupied by a quantity of adipose matter, known as mar- 
row. This is inclosed in laminated cells, and is supposed to be a 
sort of aliment in reserve, to provide against accidental emer- 
gencies of non-nutrition. 

Composition of Bones. 

Bones consist of two constituents ; namely, animal basis and cal- 
careous matter. In the healthy adult the proportions are as follows : 

Animal matter 33J per cent. 

Calcareous matter 66f " '• 

Total 100 



Ultimate Constituents of Bones. 

The ultimate constituents of bones are gelatine, animal matter, 
carbonate, phosphate, and fluate of lime, phosphates of soda, and 
magnesia. Their growth, like that of shells, is effected by the 
addition of new tissues to that already formed. Bones which have 
a central cavity are protected internally by cartilaginous fibers or 
unions ; hence they expand or burst so soon as their cartilaginous 
braces are decomposed by a diseased condition of the parts. 



DISEASES OF THE BONES. 581 



Dilatation op the Jaw Bones. 

This disease seems to be more prevalent among horses than 
cattle. In equine practice it is termed " big head ; " in bovine 
practice we call it spina ventosa (a bony tumor, in which the in^ 
terior of the bone is absorbed, leaving a mere shell of bone, divided 
into cells, containing purulent, cheesy matter) ; but perhaps " di- 
latation of bone " will give the reader a better idea of the character 
of the disease than any other term. On inspecting the jaw bones 
of cattle, the subjects of dilatation, we find the greatest enlarge- 
ment at the angle of the lower jaw. On cutting into the same, 
its cavity is occupied by a preparation resembling soft cheese. On 
removing this, it is discovered that the cartilaginous braces which 
hold the sides of the bone together are decomposed; hence the 
dilatation. This foreign material often degenerates into true 
pus, and burrows through the bones toward the surface. In 
this condition a fluctuating tumor can be felt at the angle of the 
jaw. 

Sometimes the bones of the jaw appear to have lost their cohesive 
firmness and vitality ; they then border on a state known as ne- 
crosis. Now, if a portion of bone in this condition be macerated, 
for only a short time, in a weak solution of muriatic acid, it can 
be rolled up like a piece of paper, showing that it is deficient in 
calcareous matter; but if it takes a day or more to put the bone 
in this condition, the experiment would not be of much value, as 
all bones can be more or less softened by means of weak acids. 

Treatment. — Having ascertained that the osseous structure is de- 
ficient of earthy matter, and that the animal matter preponderates, 
we are then in possession of facts which can be used to great ad- 
vantage in preventing the malady, and perhaps treating it in its 
early stage. The remedies are phosphate of lime, vegetable tonics, 
and stimulants. I use them in the following form : 

No. 106. Phosphate of lime 6 oz. 

Powdered golden seal 2 oz. 

Powdered sassafras 3 oz. 

Powdered ginger 2 oz. 

Oatmeal 4 lbs. 

Mix. 

This is to be divided into sixteen parts, one of which may be 
incorporated with the food every night. I recommend the medi- 



582 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

cine in this form because it is calculated to give tone to the func- 
tion of nutrition. 

It is well known that the maintenance of the functions of ani- 
mal life are almost entirely dependent on the due performance of 
the nutritive operations, and, therefore, the integrity and properties 
of all the hard as well as the soft tissues depend on their regular 
nutrition by a due supply of perfectly elaborated blood. This can 
not be effected unless the functions of circulation, respiration, and 
secretion are performed with regularity. Circulation is necessary 
to convey a supply of nutritious fluid, and respiration and secretion 
separate the blood from its impurities. Therefore, in cases of this 
character, I advise stock-owners to endeavor to improve the gen- 
eral health of the patient by means just suggested, and also that 
they should see that the animal gets that kind of food which is 
rich in phosphates. 

It is very difficult to define the causes of this disease. It may 
originate in a peculiar morbid habit of body, or it may be the se- 
quence of faulty nutrition or hereditary predisposition. When an 
animal labors under any morbid habit of body he is in a state far 
removed from that of health, and various parts of the body be- 
come affected by the change ; and even should the power of form- 
ing good healthy blood remain, the organic force by which the 
constituents of blood are transformed into osseous structure must 
necessarily be enfeebled by the morbid habit, so that the power to 
produce metamorphoses is necessarily diminished. It is my opinion 
that big head usually commences in the fibrous tissues which are 
found in the internal surface of bones. A very peculiar feature 
of these fibrous tunics is, that when they once become diseased 
they run rapidly to purulency ; and this accounts for the large 
amount of purulent matter often found in the cavities of jaw bones 
when buried or exposed to a drying process. It is then, however, 
in a spongy state. 

A very distinguished French writer contends that " fibrous 
tunics or tissues hardly ever contribute to the formation of pus." 
This is evidently an error ; for when the periosteum (covering of 
bones), which covers the fang of a tooth, and gives a lining to the 
cavity into which it is inserted, becomes inflamed, it suppurates, 
and the tooth has to be removed. I contend that it is the most 
common tissue that excites the flow of those exudations from arte- 
rial capillaries, which becomes converted into pus; hence, in this 



DISEASES OF THE BONES. 583 

way I account for the collections of pus often found on and under 
fibrous ligamentary tissues and coverings of muscles ; also upon 
and beneath the peritoseum, and in the vicinity of fibrous tissues 
in other parts of the system. 

The surgical treatment of a case of this kind is to liberate the 
pent-up pus or matter. With this object in view, I cast the subject, 
and, after having brought him under the influence of ether, I make 
an incision through the integuments, etc., and expose the bone; 
then, by means of a pair of common bone forceps, I make an 
opening into the same, liberate the imprisoned matter, and inject 
the cavity with pyroligneous acid. Having removed as much as 
possible of the morbid matter, I then cram the cavity with equal 
parts of powdered bloodroot and bayberry bark. The external 
wound must not be closed by suture, but left open, so as to allow 
of a free discharge from the parts ; for the healing process must 
begin at the upper part of the cavity, and the integument should 
be the last to heal. I continue to throw into the cavity, by means 
of a glass syringe, a small quantity of pyroligneous acid daily, 
until the discharge ceases. Then the parts are to be dressed with 
common tincture of aloes. After an operation of this character 
there will remain some enlargement of the tissual structures about 
the parts. This can gradually be reduced by a few applications of 
a portion of the following : 

No. 107. Iodide of potassium 1 dr. 

Glycerine 1 oz. 

Mix, and keep the preparation in a glass vial, well corked. 



Abscess beneath the Peeiosteum, at the angle of 
the Jaw. 

This is a very frequent and formidable disease among cattle, 
and is ofttimes occasioned by blows inflicted purposely or acci- 
dentally on a region known as the angle of the jaw. It is a 
formidable disease, because it frequently ends in caries or ulcera- 
tion of the jaw-bone. 

Symptoms. — It originates in an inflammatory condition of the 
periosteum, accompanied by a gradual enlargement at the angle 
of the jaw. It is very painful, the animal being very unwilling 
to have the part handled. The pain is occasioned by distension 



584 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

of the periosteum, and this is sometimes found to be indurated or 
thickened. The animal does not eat as well as usual, in conse- 
quence of the pain occasioned by the act of mastication, and he 
generally labors under some degree, more or less severe, of febrile 
excitement. Ordinarily it is a very easy matter to detect the pres- 
ence of pus in any of the superficial regions; but in this, located 
directly on the bone, and covered by a fibrous membrane which 
only admits of a limited amount of distension, it is very difficult 
for an unskillful person to discover it ; yet, if the above symptoms 
are observed, I should decide that there is pus beneath the perios- 
teum. 

Treatment. — No treatment is of any advantage except that of 
making a free opening through the skin, muscle, and periosteum, 
and thus insuring a complete discharge of the morbid matter; 
and the sooner this is done the better, for it will relieve the ani- 
mal of much suffering and prevent ulceration of the jaw-bone. 
Very little after-treatment is required. It is only necessary to 
cleanse the part daily, and dress with tincture of matico. 

Exostosis, or deposit of Calcareous Matter on the 
surface of bones. 

Exostosis signifies an unnatural growth of bone, or deposit of 
calcareous matter on the surface of bones. Among horses this 
disease occurs in the form of splent, spavin, and ring-bone. It 
is very seldom that cattle are treated for this affection ; for the 
deformity is so slight, and the lameness so obscure, in consequence 
of the slow motions of the animal, that very little notice is taken 
of it. 

Treatment. — The proper mode of treatment is to apply, daily, 
a small quantity of iodide of glycerine, prepared as follows : 

No. 108. Iodine 1 dr. 

Glycerine 1 oz. 

Mix. 

Apply by means of a small piece of sponge. This is to be 
applied daily for a period of two weeks, after which use acetic 
acid, one part ; water, six parts. With a portion of this sponge 
the enlargement until pain and lameness disappear. 



DISEASES OF THE BONES. 585 



Caeies, oe Ulceeation or Bones. 

This is a very common disease among cattle, and is preceded by 
inflammation and suppuration. It sometimes proceeds from a blow 
received at the angle of the jaw; generally, however, it is a con- 
stitutional disease of a malignant character. 

Treatment. — In the first stages of this disease, the part being hot, 
painful, and tender, I should foment with warm vinegar, which 
will tend to hasten suppuration; then, having ascertained that 
there is some pus or matter locally imprisoned, the part must be 
freely punctured, the pus evacuated, and the cavity injected with 
pure pyroligneous acid. Supposing, or rather suspecting, the dis- 
ease to be constitutional, I should administer the following : 

No. 109. Iodide of potassium 1 oz. 

Glycerine 4 oz. 

Tincture of golden seal 2 oz. 

Water 2 qts. 

Mix. 

The dose is one-sixteenth part of the above quantity, to be ad- 
ministered daily. 



Peeliminaey to Hoen-ail. 

Many very valuable animals die prematurely, under treatment, 
in consequence of mistaking symptoms for the disease. Before I 
discuss horn-ail, I propose to offer a few brief remarks on the 
subject of sympathy, so that the non-professional reader may be 
prepared to comprehend the why and wherefore of sympathetic 
diseases, as they occur in neat stock during the progress of pri- 
mary affections. 

On Sympathy and the Sympathetic Eelations which 
Exist in the Animal Economy. 

The animal structures are so sympathetically related to each 
other, and so dependent are various organs and functions on an 
equilibrium of vital action, based on the law of sympathy, that 
the animal economy, as a whole, may be said to compose a vast 
machine, the integrity of which depends on the free and full play 
of all parts composing its intricate mechanism. The media by 



586 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

which sympathy is aroused and maintained are the nerves. These 
originate from the brain and medulla spinalis, or spinal marrow. 
Ten pairs of nerves radiate directly from the brain, termed cere- 
bral; thirty -nine pairs from the spinal marrow, termed spinal. 
They are named after that of the region in which they are found ; 
hence we have .seven pairs of nerves issuing from the cervical 
region (neck), eighteen from the dorsal (back), five from the lum- 
bar region, and five sacral, within the pelvis, four coccygeal — 
making, in all, forty-nine pairs cerebro-spinal nerves. They are 
distributed from each side of the spine to various parts of the 
body, and their terminations are called " sentient," this being the 
seat of sensation. 

The most important nerve, however, for our consideration, is 
the sympathetic. It is supposed by some writers to be in itself a 
complete nervous system. It originates in a branch issuing from 
the base of the brain, and communicates with every other nervous 
filament of the body. The connection takes place in the follow- 
ing manner: The sympathetic nerve has, at various points, a 
number of gangliform plexuses. From these thread-like fila- 
ments arise, which radiate and connect with similar ganglions 
found on the cerebral and spinal nerves. On these divergent fila- 
ments we have other ganglionic structures, which send branches 
to the liver, spleen, kidneys, etc. The sympathetic nerves of one 
side amalgamate with those of the opposite, and this is their mode 
of communication. The nerves of the sympathetic system possess 
a certain degree of power in exciting muscular contractions, as 
well as sympathetic actions, in the various parts to which they are 
distributed. Carpenter has observed that, by "irritating a 
branch of the sympathetic nerve, immediately after the death of 
an animal, contractions may be excited in any part of the alimen- 
tary canal from the pharynx to the rectum, according to the 
trunks which are irritated ; in the heart, after its ordinary move- 
ments have ceased ; in the aorta, vena cava, and thoracic duct ; in 
the ductus choledochus, uterus, fallopian tubes, vas deferens, and 
vesiculse seminales, etc. It is probable that the sympathetic 
system not only thus brings the organic functions into relation 
with the animal, but that it also tends to harmonize the former 
with each other, so as to bring the various acts of secretion, nutri- 
tion, etc., into mutual conformity." 

There are several orders of sympathetic nerves. Some pass 



DISEASES OF THE BONES. 587 

into the parenchyma of the organic viscera, and others are dis- 
tributed on the outer coats of arteries, continuing, throughout 
their minute capillary structures, into the papillae. By this ar- 
rangement the harmony between the internal, external, and remote 
parts is perpetuated. 

Correct knowledge regarding the sympathetic relations peculiar 
to animal organization seems absolutely necessary, in order to 
correct the erroneous impressions that some persons have formed 
of the nature and seat of disease incidental to horses and cattle, 
and, in this view, I offer these preliminary remarks as introduc- 
tory to the subjects of "horn and tail-ails" (imaginary diseases, 
which oftentimes, perhaps always, are the result of a fertile im- 
agination, or, rather, a sequence of that faulty mode of reasoning 
which confounds effects with causes). Any person conversant 
with the sympathetic relations existing in the animal economy, 
can readily discover the difference between a pathological condi- 
tion and the local or general symptoms which usually accompany 
it. An animal, for example, is attacked with acute disease of the 
liver. He evinces signs of pain from pressure on the right or 
off side, in the region of the liver, and, possibly, the lameness is 
of so grave a character as to mislead the non-medical observer, 
and he necessarily concludes that the subject is lame, "and noth- 
ing more." He prescribes an external remedy, accordingly, which 
is neither calculated to cure nor palliate the liver difficulty. Thus, 
for want of the necessary knowledge, the symptoms are mistaken 
for the disease. 

In derangement of the digestive organs, more particularly of 
the stomach, the brain is usually sympathetically affected. The 
symptoms of disturbance in that organ, or its functions, may 
escape the attention of the "cow-leach," yet they are always 
present, and range from what has been observed as "dullness" 
up to somnolency, accompanied by other morbid phenomena well 
understood by the physician. A knowledge of these and other 
sympathetic relations existing throughout the animal economy, 
enables us to understand what occasions vomiting in a man when 
a blow of sufficient force is received on the skull. The blow 
arouses a certain set of involuntary operations which the subject 
is unable to control, as in the cases of vomiting, etc. It explains, 
also, why giddiness or vertiginous symptoms usually follow when 
a blow is received on the region of the stomach ; how the impreg- 



588 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

nated uterus influences the mammse and stomach, causing increase 
of function and volume in the former, and morning nausea in the 
latter; how a diseased condition of the internal mucous membrane 
reacts on the common integument, and vice versh. Even in the 
osseous structures the law of sympathy prevails. A disease in 
the upper extremity of the bone gives rise to sympathetic pain at 
the opposite extremity. And as regards the muscles and tendons, 
there exists a very marked sympathy, although in the mind of 
pathologists this is not strange, for, anatomically considered, the 
tendons are neither more nor less than tendinous terminations of 
muscles. Puncture of a tendon is often followed by great de- 
rangement of the nervous system, and other pathological condi- 
tions, not unfrequently ending in trismus (lock-jaw.) This is 
owing to the same law of sympathetic association just alluded to. 
There is, therefore, a tendency in certain organs to become de- 
ranged or diseased in consequence of a malady locating in others, 
although they may not always be identical in function. 

Horn-ail. 

Persons who are in the habit of prescribing for sick brutes, and 
have never made themselves acquainted with the sympathetic 
relations existing in the animal economy, to which I have re- 
ferred, are liable to commit errors in diagnosing disease, and, 
when questioned regarding the seat of the same, their opinion 
generally is that the suffering animal has either the horn-ail or 
tail-ail. The idea, in almost all cases, is so supremely absurd, 
that, if any thing other than a living animal were the subject of 
the barbarities which, according to mistaken notions of cux-e, are 
sure to follow, I should feel disposed to burlesque the whole pro- 
cedure regarding both horn-ail and its treatment. In my opinion, 
horn-ail, in ninety-nine cases out of one hundred, exists only in 
the imagination of those persons who allow error to overcome 
their better judgment, or else they have not given the subject a 
passing thought ; therefore, they are incompetent to even guess at 
the true nature of the malady with any chances of correctness. 
No allusion, that I am aware of, has ever been made by the 
authors of standard works or text-books on veterinary science, to 
horn-ail ; and if educated veterinary surgeons were as numerous 
here as in England or France, and they had the same means to 



DISEASES OF THE BONES. 589 

reach the ears and the understandings of our husbandmen, the 
latter would soon be convinced of the absurdity which is here 
described, and, consequently, be induced to protect their animals 
from that species of cruel quackery or ignorance which would 
refer all their aches and diseases to horns or tails, and which sanc- 
tions the boring of the former, and curtailing or docking the 
latter. 

The pathological conditions on which the absurd theory of 
horn-ail seems to be founded are heat or coldness of the horns. 
These are the principal, and, in fact, only symptoms which the 
unlearned expounders of a popular malady have given us; but 
every one ought to be aware that variations in the temperature 
of a part so inferiorly organized as the horns are is no criterion 
as regards the nature of the disease which occasions, in this 
vicinity, merely an increase or decrease of temperature. The 
actual disease which occasions a loss or increase of temperature of 
the external surface of the body, horns included, may be, and 
often is, located in either the brain, stomach, or bowels, and at 
other times is the result of local congestions of the lungs and other 
parts — mere effects — the results of preexisting disease ; therefore, 
I contend that the term horn-ail, when used to express the con- 
dition of parts sympathetically affected or aroused, throws no 
lio-ht on the true nature of the disease under which the animal 
labors. 

I shall contend that neither the augmentation nor decrease in 
the temperature of the horns constitutes actual disease of the same, 
but may indicate a loss of equilibrium in the circulation of blood. 
If the horns are at fever-heat, and the surface of the body be cool, 
we know that the brain or its membranes may be actively or 
passively congested. On the other hand, should the horns and 
the extremities be cold, it goes to prove that the animal is the sub- 
ject of internal congestion or disease. But why locate it in the 
horns, when in the animal economy are found so many hundred 
parts, sections, and divisions of parts, more important, sensitive, 
and of vastly more consequence to the preservation of vital integ- 
rity, than the horns? The variations in the temperature of the 
horns and other parts of the body, which the horn-ail theorists 
neglect to notice, enter into a class of symptoms from and by means 
of which an educated surgeon makes up an intelligent and correct 
diagnosis, and, consequently, are only of value, in point of fact, in 



590 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

so far as they go to show the actual state of the whole animal 
mechanism. The proposition admits of the following appropriate 
and convincing illustration : A man is attacked with acute disease 
of the liver, and almost always experiences a pain in the right 
shoulder, a purely sympathetic affection. Now, it would be very 
ridiculous for a physician to overlook the diseased condition of the 
liver, and merely prescribe for the sympathetic shoulder-lameness, 
and call it " shoulder-ail." Such ignorance is calamitous, but does 
not often occur when the educated physician is employed ; otherwise 
it does, and many such cases are quite fresh in my memory. Now, 
instead of prescribing local agents, as some have done, in view of 
mitigating sympathetic local pain, would it not be more in accord- 
ance with reason and science to administer medicinal agents, such 
as are calculated to restore the liver to a natural physiological con- 
dition ? A man who thus ignorantly prescribes falls into the same 
error with him who would refer all diseases of neat stock to their 
horns or tails, merely because the parts are not in their natural 
physiological condition, owing, as I have said, to actual disease 
seated elsewhere. Thus the symptoms are mistaken for the dis- 
ease, and the treatment, in so far as boring, sawing off horns, and 
curtailing the caudal appendage is concerned, is highly injurious, 
barbarous, and, in these enlightened times, deplorable. 

It requires no argument to convince many men that horn-ail is 
a very prevalent disease, for the false doctrine has been promul- 
gated, and has received attention from men whose domains extend 
from Maine to California. The error has been sown broadcast, 
and has acquired such hold on the minds of some that it will take 
many years to root out the evil. One writer on this subject, be- 
lieving that horn-ail is a sort of national disease, recommends the 
barn -yard faculty (for no regular physician will heed his advice) 
to carry gimlets in their pockets, so that they may be armed and 
equipped to encounter and subdue that which is more imaginary 
than real. 

I have made examinations of the bodies of cattle, subsequent to 
death, said to have died of horn-ail. Among them were evident 
traces of softening of the brain ; and this is a feature of disease 
very often present, as I shall attempt to show, in many of the so- 
called cases of horn-ail. Softening of the brain is a disease of so 
grave a character, that any morbid symptoms attending the same, 
as local heat or coldness of horns, might compare in the ratio of a 



DISEASES OF THE BONES. 591 

mole-hill placed beside a mountain. Softening of the brain is 
the ultimatum of a grave disease occurring in that organ ; and if 
the owners of live stock are disposed to believe that horn diffi- 
culty is the most preponderant and alarming, and they can sleep 
soundly in the belief that no danger threatens, then, " If igno- 
rance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise." I can not indorse this sen- 
timent, however; for, in this day of intellectual maturity, no one 
has a right to be a dunce in his chosen profession, nor a fool, to 
thwart the intentions of those who would substitute light for 
darkness. 

Softening of the brain is always preceded by acute, and, subse- 
quently, chronic, inflammation of the same or its investing tunics, 
and constitutes the last stage of disease ; so that the days of such 
a subject are numbered, and the man of gimlet and ignorance, 
armed with his munitions of warfare, treats the disease at long 
odds. He pockets the fees but loses the case. His patient, on 
which a too confiding owner has foolishly permitted him to prac- 
tice his cruelty and legerdemain, dies, and he knows not the why 
nor the wherefore. 

But, in order to convince the reader of the follies of the above 
practice, I offer the following illustration, from a reliable source. 
The case was diagnosed and treated as horn-ail. I quote from the 
" Southern Planter : " 

" After death, examined the head. Crest between horns per- 
fectly hollow. All the little divisions and offshoots of bone which 
are usually found in the cavity were removed, in a greater or less 
degree, and there were only the white of egg matter and pus. The 
horns, also, entirely hollow ; one of them filled with nearly a pint 
of lymphy and purulent matter. The cavity extending to the 
orbit of the eye, thence communicating with the nostrils, especially 
on one side. The brain, which lies in very near contact with this 
cavity of the crest (which we may as well call the frontal sinuses), 
was softened and fallen, in one hemisphere, into a thick mush. A 
small part only of this half was of healthy consistency, preserving 
its form or vessels entire. The other half (hemisphere) was not 
softened, but the vessels were very full of blood, and the mem- 
branes exhibited signs of intense inflammation. No other region 
or organs examined." 

In regard to this quotation I remark: It is very natural that 
the frontal sinuses should be hollow; for, if they were solidj the 



592 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

weight of the head would be enormous ; and I can readily per- 
ceive the wisdom of the Divine Artist in thus adapting the parts 
for the convenience of the animal, and relieving him of what, had 
it been otherwise, must have been a burden, and would have re- 
quired powerful muscles to support the head. The bones about 
the head are divided into two plates, separated by numerous vacui- 
ties or cells ; but, unlike those of the horse, they extend through 
the whole of the bone — nay, penetrate even through the parietal 
and occipital bones. Hence it happens that the frontal sinuses (so 
these cavities are called in cattle as well as the horse) extend from 
the angle of the eye to the very foramen through which the brain 
escapes from the skull — nay, to the very tip of the horn. Hence 
the parts may be said to be hollow ; and it is well that every farmer 
should know this, for some suppose them solid, and are very much, 
surprised to find them hollow. On making a section of the horn, 
from tip to base, it will be found partly hollow, " having sinuses 
that extend almost to its tip." The lymphy and purulent matter 
found within the frontal sinuses and those of the horn, together 
with the softening of one hemisphere of the brain, proved that the 
parts were all involved in disease ; but then the disease never had its 
origin in the horn. The brain, or perhaps its membranes, were 
the primary seat of the affection, and, after softening, (decompos- 
ing,) involved the surrounding parts in ruin. " The other half 
of the brain was not softened, but the vessels were full of blood, 
and the membranes exhibited signs of intense inflammation." 
Probably this was the state of affairs in the diseased hemisphere 
in its early stage, and some physical impediments to the return of 
blood from the brain had induced cerebral appolexy. The animal 
was in a plethoric state, " very fat." There was too great redun- 
dancy of blood — -just the subject for such disease. Softening of 
the brain, I think, would be a better designation of the disease 
than "horn-ail." 

The editor of the " Planter," in a subsequent number of his 
journal, remarks: "The notion that this disease originates in the 
horn itself seems to us to be an error, resulting from that back- 
ward mode of reasoning which confounds symptoms with disease. 
The disorder in that organ, ' the horn,' should rather seem to be 
secondary. No less erroneous do we deem the opinion, held by 
some, that the horn becomes frost-bitten, and then putrifies. 
Though its whole inner surface is exceedingly vascular, yet it is 



DISEASES OF THE BONES. 593 

perfectly protected by the almost insensible horny covering in 
which it is cased throughout, except only a very minute ring at 
its base, whose pulsations are the most accurate index of the pulse ; 
and that ring, hardly wider than a thread, can not be affected by 
cold. When it is considered that the horn is a substance of lower 
vitality than the hoof, which never becomes frost-bitten, even 
though chilled by an iron shoe, reason should teach us that it can 
not be injured by cold." 

A similar case occurred in the experience of the editor of the 
" Planter," which " ran to a speedy and fatal termination." Upon 
dissection of the head, the left hemisphere of the brain was found 
completely " broken down," or disorganized ; the base of the left 
horn was slightly implicated. The introduction of a gimlet, there- 
fore, into the horns of cattle thus affected, and afterward cramming 
in pepper, turpentine, and other foreign bodies, can not possibly 
reach the disease nor benefit the animal, but is apt to do much 
harm ; for puncture of the lining membrane of the frontal sinuses, 
which generally takes place when the instrument is introduced 
near the base of the horn, is attended with danger, both as regards 
inflammation and hemorrhage ; and it is just as unwise to fill the 
parts with pepper, turpentine, etc., in view of cure, as it would be 
if one of our own race were concerned. 

I now have an impression that the reader, like myself, has 
come to the conclusion that, in the generality of cases occurring 
among neat stock, the disease christened horn and tail-ails, is lo- 
cated elsewhere. Yet some persons contend that the practice, 
which I denominate as unscientific and barbarous, saves some of 
the afflicted animals. I have doubts about the treatment saving 
them. They may survive it ; for it is well known that both men 
and animals often recover after an unfavorable prognosis is made, 
and they will also survive very severe injuries, fractures, punc- 
tures, and formidable wounds, etc. ; so that health returns, in such 
cases, in spite of the violence opposed to it. Hence, if an animal 
should be restored to health, after having been compelled to sub- 
mit to the fashionable barbarities of horn-boring, that is no proof 
of the utility of the means used. 

If we could only collect all the facts in the case of an animal 

said to be the subject of horn-ail, we should probably discover 

that, in four cases out of five, the animal's stomach was the seat of 

the original difficulty, for the stomach is more frequently deranged 

38 



594 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

than any other organ of the body; and it often occurs in this 
way: A man has a cow, an ox, or a lot of cattle, which he in- 
tends to bring to market, in view of exchanging them for dollars 
and cents. He puts them through (as the moderns have it) the 
fattening process, furnishing them with a superabundance of 
carbon, in the form of meal and other nitrogenous equivalents. 
The result is an accumulation of adipose tissue; the animal be- 
comes fat, and, consequently, plethoric. The accumulation of fat 
offers an impediment to the free and full play of the heart, lungs, 
and diaphragm; and, should the subject be a pregnant cow, she 
is liable, a few hours after the period of parturition, to be attacked 
with milk or puerperal fever, or convulsions ; therefore the lia- 
bility to disease in more important structures than the horns is a 
matter that I seriously urge our itinerant cattle doctors to consider. 

Neat stock are often the subjects of catarrh, (or "hoose," as it is 
termed,) nasal gleet, etc. In either case, a profuse discharge occurs 
from the surface of the nasal membrane, extending to the frontal 
sinuses, up to the very tip of some horns. This is often called 
horn-ail, and the gimlet is brought into requisition, and, on with- 
drawing it, some of the " matter " may possibly escape from the 
orifice ; hence the gimlet is said to do good. This I deny ; for 
the more rational way of favoring the discharge of the matter 
would be to steam the nostrils, and adopt such other means as the 
nature of the case may seem to require. 

Even granting what some contend for — namely, that an abscess 
occasionally forms in one of the nasal cavities — then it would not 
be proper to bore the horns, for the pus must necessarily be in- 
closed within a sac, which the gimlet may rupture. Then the 
morbid matter escapes into the frontal sinuses, and is apt to set 
up diseased action on the tissue with which it comes into contact. 
If it be ever necessary to puncture an abscess of this character, it 
should be done by way of the nostrils. Even should the animal 
labor under any disease located within the horns, the introduction 
of a gimlet would be a very unsafe remedy, as all veterinary sur- 
geons are ready to testify. It is a dangerous business to puncture 
a membrane so highly organized as that found within the frontal 
sinuses,* especially when so rude an instrument as a gimlet is 

* The gimlet, before it enters the lining membrane of the parts (termed 
schneiderian), must necessarily puncture a highly vascular membrane (termed 



DISEASES OF THE BONES. 595 

used. The instrument must lacerate the parts, and induce severe 
inflammation and suppuration ; consequently, it is better calcu- 
lated to produce disease in this region than to cure one existing 
there. 

I have examined many animals after their horns have been 
bored, and have always found an undue degree of heat in the 
cranial region ; throbbing pulsations about the base of the horn, 
and a general disturbance of the functions; sometimes an accu- 
mulation of pus within the cavity. Then, again, internal hem- 
orrhage, effusion, etc., of blood, are apt to occur after boring the 
horns; and every intelligent physician would be unwilling to 
incur the risk attending it. Many a valuable animal has been 
lost by hemorrhage, following fracture, puncture, and sawing off 
the horns. 

Horn-ail is said to be so prevalent among neat stock, that the 
farmer (in the imaginative mood) fears it as he would the plague. 
And the only remedy for this lamentable state of ignorance is for 
farmers to use their reason, godlike and rational, and avail them- 
selves of the experience of those competent to diagnose disease by 
its concomitant and persistent symptoms. We are now in pos- 
session of facts showing that the introduction of a foreign body 
(a gimlet) may induce a formidable disease; therefore, it should 
never be used. 

Among the diseases mistaken for horn-ail I name indigestion ; 
and this disease is almost as prevalent among neat stock as it 
proves to be among the members of the human family in this 
country. Loss of cud, or a cessation of rumination, is one of the 
principal symptoms of acute indigestion. I made an autopsy, in a 
case of this character, only a short time ago, and found the aboma- 
sum, or fourth compartment of the stomach, enormously distended 
with food, and, on removing the same, the mucous membrane 
readily peeled off. I particularly pointed out to the owner 
of the animal the pathological appearances as they occurred ; 
but, as he had made up his mind, and the neighbors confirmed 
his opinion that the animal was the subject of horn-ail, he still 
believes that the trouble first commenced in the horns, which had 
been bored in several places. 

periosteum), the external covering of the bony column, and inflammation and 
suppuration may be the consequence, ending in altered structure. 



596 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

I am not contending that the vascular membrane within and 
without the osseous structure of the horns and contiguous parts 
enjoys immunity from disease. It is subject to it, as are other 
parts, precisely identical in function and structure. But I am 
exposing a false theory, which confounds functional and organic 
diseases with their symptoms or manifestations. 

A local disease of the horns is not unusual. For example, a 
blow in the region of the base of the horn often occasions a local 
affection ; and this is not to be wondered at, when we know that 
the parts in this region are merely defended by a thin cuticular 
envelope, and, therefore, offers but little protection to the subtis- 
sues. This region is denominated by brutal men the " tender 
spot;" and, in view of subduing a restive animal, they aim their 
bludgeons in this direction, with terrible effect. Local injuries 
of this character, and those occurring in the savage encounters 
which horned animals frequently engage in, the boring of their 
horns, and sawing them off, etc., are accidents and processes more 
or less operative in exciting a local affection.. 

A local disease of this character admits of the following dem- 
onstration ; namely, percussion. Percussion is the art of striking 
various parts of the body, with a view of ascertaining the seat of 
disease. Every substance, when thrown into sonorous vibration, 
produces a sound the tone of which is peculiar to itself, and every 
change which takes place in the composition of that substance, or 
in the arrangement of its component parts, is accompanied by a 
corresponding change in its tone. If we strike a solid body, it 
emits a solid sound; strike an empty one, and it emits a hollow 
sound. In like manner, if we strike a healthy horn, we get a 
sound of hollowness. When the horn and frontal sinuses are 
occupied by matter, we elicit a dull sound, without vibration. 
The difference between the sound elicited from an empty barrel 
and that from a full one, or the sound from a solid post and that 
from a hollow one, when struck with a hammer, is not more re- 
markable than in the cases of healthy and diseased horns. By 
the same means we diagnose diseases of the chest. We are, there- 
fore enabled, with absolute certainty, to determine the presence of 
pus within the horns; and, keeping in view the history of the 
case, which it is our business to inquire into, we can generally tell 
whether or not such abscesses result from local injury or disease 
within the parts, or if it be the sequence of some other disease. 



DISEASES OF THE BONES. 597 

Treatment. — In regard to the treatment of an abscess located in 
the region of the base of the horns, the proper method is to tre- 
phine the skull, which operation can only be performed by a vet- 
erinary surgeon. 

Tail-ail. 

In view of sustaining the respectability of veterinary science and 
my own professional reputation, I would inform the reader that 
tail-ail is an imaginary disease, appearing only in localities which 
the apostles of true veterinary science have never visited. The 
supposed aifection is said to induce partial or complete paralysis 
of the hind extremities, and, contrary to the principles of science 
and the testimony of several veterinary writers, this condition is 
often termed tail-ail. The faulty theory is, a soft spot is found at 
the end of the tail, (this is a feature of every healthy cow's tail, 
when it has not been docked,) which takes the strength out of her 
back, and produces paralysis. The remedy is either to amputate 
the caudal appendage, or slit open the soft spot and stuff in tar, 
pepper, salt, or whatever remedy Neighbor So-and-so recommends. 
It seems a pity that the poor animals I am now writing about can 
not, like their masters, receive the benefits resulting from the in- 
vestigations of scientific men in improved methods of treating dis- 
ease. However, it is gratifying to know that the errors of the 
past are fast " dying out," and that the days of ignorance are 
numbered. 

The tail is sometimes the seat of a local affection arising from 
blows, etc., or it may be the seat of a cutaneous disease ; but neither 
one nor the other can be of so grave a character as to produce 
paralysis of the posterior limbs. The soft extremity of the tail 
may also occasionally become congested, or else oedematous (drop- 
sical). But these states of the part would not justify a man in 
cutting off the tail ; for the limbs are often found in the same con- 
dition, and no one would ever think of lopping them off, for the 
remedy would be worse than the disease ; and, so far as the tail is 
concerned in being the seat of local congestion, or oedema, there is 
no disease at all, and, therefore, does not require local treatment. 
But I am not discussing the probabilities of diseases of the tail. 
This is not my purpose. I only aim to show the folly of making 
the cow's tail the indicator of the various diseases of her body, 
and, also, that of confounding a disease of the nervous system 



598 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

•with a slight congestion of the tail ; and, further, the folly of ar- 
guing that the cow's strength is taken out of her back, etc., because 
the end of her tail is soft. If the tails of neat stock, or those of 
any other animals, become diseased, in the name of humanity let 
them be prescribed for ; but I do hope that those who read this 
article will never be caught prying into the end of the above use- 
ful appendage for the purpose of demonstrating that which never 
existed. 

Almost all animals said to have the tail-ail are laboring under 
various forms of disease remote from the tail, and, however dili- 
gent men may be in performing their barbarous operations on the 
same, the disease under which the animal suffers, perhaps located 
either in the brain, spinal marrow, liver, or pancreas, entirely un- 
suspected, may progress to a fatal termination, while an uneducated 
cow-leech is amusing himself by taking unwarrantable liberties 
with the uncomplaining animal's tail. I am often told that ani- 
mals, after being thus operated on, get well. Very likely. Some 
animals will endure the most cruel torture, and I once saw a cow, 
in apparent health, who a fortnight previous drank a pint of white 
paint. Such cases I look upon as nothing more nor less than lucky 
escapes. 

I shall close this article by introducing a selection from 
" You att on Cattle." Mr. Youatt, when treating of palsy, thus 
alludes to "tail-ill," or "tail-slip": 

" In many parts of the kingdom palsy is traced to a most ridicu- 
lous cause. The original evil is said to be in the tail, and all 
maladies of this kind, involving the partial or total loss of motion 
in the hind limbs of the animal, are classed under the name of 
tail-ill, or tail-slip. Our friend, Mr. Dick, of Edinburgh, has 
taken up this subject, in a very interesting point of view, in the 
fourteenth number of the ' Journal of Agriculture,' and the public 
are much indebted to him for dispelling a false, injurious, and 
cruel superstition. The farmer and the cow-leech believe that the 
mischief passes along the cow's tail to the back, and that it is on 
account of something wrong in the tail that she loses the use of her 
legs ; and then some set to work and cut the cow's tail off, while 
others, less cruel or more scientific, make an incision into the under 
surface, and allow the wound to bleed freely, and then fill it up 
with a mixture of tar and salt, and we know not what. * * * 
Mr. Dick, with a kind consideration for which he deserves much, 



DISEASES OF THE BONES. 599 

credit, condescends to reason the case with these foolish people; 
and what he says is so much to the purpose, that we can not refrain 
from introducing it here : ' The disease, in ordinary cases, is said 
to consist in a softening about the extremity of the tail, and is to 
be distinguished by the point of the tail being easily doubled back 
upon itself, and having, at this doubling, a soft and rather crepi- 
tating kind of feel. But what is the real state of the case ? The 
tail is lengthened out to the extent of about three feet, and is 
formed like a common whip. Toward the extremity the bones 
terminate gradually, becoming insensibly smaller as they proceed 
downward. At this part is said to be found a soft place (the tail- 
slip). Beyond this, again, a firm cartilaginous portion is found, 
covered with hair, to brush off the flies within its reach. Now, 
why have we the long columns of bones — the termination with a 
soft space of a few inches — this thickened, hard, cartilaginous part 
at the very extremity, and that extremity covered with hair, but 
with a view to form a whip, to drive off, with the greatest possible 
effect, the insects which wound and torment the animal ? ' " 

After such testimony as the above, I firmly believe that the 
readers of this work will never be caught in the foolish act of lo- 
cating paralysis at the extremity of the caudal appendage. 





SECTION XXV. 

DISEASES OF THE BRAIN. 

Inflammation of the Brain and its Membranes — Sturdy in Cattle — Shaking 
Palsy-— Hydrophobia. 



Inflammation of the Brain and its Membeanes. 

IT makes but little difference, so far as our method of treatment 
is concerned, whether the brain or its membranes be the seat 
of inflammation ; for the treatment, in both cases, must be the same, 
and the difference, in a pathological point of view, can not be very 
great between a disease of the brain and its investing membranes, 
although each may have peculiarities of appearance. The affection 
is generally sudden in its attack, and it is often accompanied by 
symptoms of frenzy, and the animal sometimes becomes frantic, 
and decidedly mischievous. Soon, however, alterations in the 
structure of the parts take place, as softening, effusion, etc., and 
then the animal dies. 

In regard to the treatment, I must confess that it is much 
easier to write about it than accomplish it. In cases when de- 
lirious fits occur, accompanied by convulsions, which make it dan- 
gerous to approach the animal, I have no remedies to offer; the 
case is beyond the reach of art. I may, however, add that the 
terminations of this disease are different. They depend on the 
intensity of the malady and the structural susceptibility. The 
disease is generally treated on the antiphlogistic plan : cold water 
to the head, active cathartics, and counter-irritation on the region 
of the spine. 

Causes. — The causes of a disease of this character are often 
obscure, yet I have known it to occur as a symptomatic affection. 
I examined the carcass of an ox, a short time ago, that died of 
(600) 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN. 601 

what the owner termed " mad staggers." I found the brain highly 
congested, and several adhesions between it and its membranes. 
There were also large patches, intensely red, on the lining mem- 
brane of the third and fourth apartments of the stomach. I was 
informed by the owner that the animal died twenty-four hours 
from the time of its first attack. The disease probably originated 
on the digestive surfaces, in consequence of the irritating nature 
of the food — moldy hay and tough corn-stalks, with a sprinkling 
of damaged meal and brewer's grains. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms of symptomatic disease of the brain 
are as follows : Dullness, loss of appetite, staring of the coat ; and, 
if the animal be a milch cow, diminution in the quantity of milk 
is observed ; the extremities are cold, and the animal grates its 
teeth ; the respiration is at first tranquil, and the pulse slow but 
full ; the patient will frequently be seized with a kind of epileptic 
fit, which lasts but a' few minutes, during which time some of them 
will exhibit the most violent symptoms, such as bellowing hide- 
ously, pawing the earth, and running at any thing within their 
reach ; they will also break out into profuse perspiration, and press 
their heads forcibly against the wall, even to such an extent as to 
break oif their horns. Many are seized with violent tremblings 
and twitchings, and, toward the latter period of the disease, the 
respiration becomes extremely laborious, the jaws are firmly closed, 
convulsions succeed each other rapidly, and death shortly closes 
the scene. 

Treatment. — Give the animal two drachms of fluid extract of gel- 
seminum in a gill of water, twice daily, until the pulse and respira- 
tions become more natural. Give occasional enemas of soap-suds, 
and keep the head and spine sponged often with cold water. So 
soon as the inflammatory symptoms subside, discontinue the gel- 
seminum, and administer, daily, doses of 

No. 110. Fluid extract of golden seal 1 oz. 

Hyposulphite of soda |- oz. 

Water 1 pt. 

Mix. 



Sturdy, or Cerebral Parasites. 

The brain, and its investing membranes, are often infested with 
a species of entozoa, termed ccenurus. They consist of a parent 



602 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

sac, or membranous tunic, from which, externally, germination 
takes place. This mode of multiplication of this group of para- 
sites differs from that which is observed in the hydatid (fluke), in 
which it occurs internally. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms will depend altogether upon the 
number and size of the parasites. In their early state they take 
up but little room, and do not occasion any very marked symp- 
toms ; yet, if the animal could only speak, we might be informed 
that he was the subject of headache. As the parasite or parasites 
increase in size, they produce pressure on the brain, which makes 
the animal appear giddy, confused, nervous, and desirous of sep- 
arating itself from the herd; and it is in consequence of these 
peculiar symptoms making their appearance, when no other form 
of disease is present, that the term " sturdy " is applied, which is 
simply used to denote the presence of cerebral parasites. 

Treatment. — When once these parasites have fairly taken up 
their abode in the cranial cavity of an ox, I fear there is very 
little help. An operation, such as that alluded to by the writer 
of the appended article, may, once in awhile, prove successful, yet, 
in my opinion, the remedy is about as bad as the disease; there- 
fore I recommend prevention rather than attempts at cure. The 
preventive remedies are salt, sulphur, and charcoal, equal parts. 
This is a specific for all parasites. About a table-spoonful of the 
mixture, given occasionally in the food, will prevent the germi- 
nation of many forms of parasites. 

The following interesting translations are by Mr. Gamgee : 

" Sturdy in Cattle. — No less than seven bladders of the ccenurus 
were found in the left hemisphere of the cerebrum, in an old cow 
affected with the sturdy. Between the dura mater and the cranial 
parieties there were several transparent vesicles, about the size of 
a pea, embedded in the substance of the bones. The left hemis- 
phere of the cerebrum only weighed three drachms and a scruple 
less than the right, although the former contained all the blad- 
ders. Hering could not find any heads of the ccenurus on the 
interior of the sacs, and he held them to be yet undeveloped 
hydatids. — Bepertorium fur Thoerheil, p. 21. 1855: Stuttgart. 

" In the second volume of the Milan ' Veterinary Journal/ at 
page 52, is a case of sturdy, recorded by Patellani. It occurred 
in a two-year old animal, that had shown, for several days, at- 
tacks of madness, and in one of these it had broken a horn off. 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN. 603 

Patellani found her lying senseless on the ground ; the head, bent 
on one side; the forehead, hot, and painful on percussion; the 
sound produced, hollow. » On examination after death, the mem- 
brane of the brain was found injected, and in the right ventricle 
of the cerebrum were hydatids with several heads. 

" The trephine has, of late years, been much recommended in 
cases of cerebral hydatids in cattle ; and in Bavaria and Wurtem- 
berg it has frequently been employed, and often with good results. 
At the Clinique of the Munich Veterinary School, in the month 
of November, 1854, a year-old heifer was presented, with expan- 
sion of the right frontal bone. There were symptoms of giddi- 
ness, with turning toward the right side, dullness, etc. Ramoser 
found, on percussing the seat of the disease, that the sound was 
most hollow to the left. The case was observed for forty-three 
days, during which time the symptoms became more severe ; the 
animal was trephined, and about two ounces of serum passed out, 
followed by the bag of the parasite. The wound would have been 
closed with a clay plaster, but the animal had to be slaughtered 
the following day. The membranes of the brain were inflamed, 
especially to the right, and blood was extravasated on its surface. 
The expansion, thinning, and even perforation of the upper part 
of the right lateral ventricle, showed that the bladder was lodged 
in the ventricle itself, as had been seen the previous year, in 
another case that had been operated upon. Death was then 
attributable to the far-advanced stage of the malady, and to the 
abrupt collapse of the parietes of the ventricle, after contraction 
of the bladder." — Milnchen Jahresber, fer 1854-5, p. 13. 

The following is from the pen of Mr. John Gamgee, (Edin- 
burgh,) on sturdy in sheep, in which much useful information 
relative to parasites is given : 

" The more inquiries made, the more accurate will the conclusion 
arrived at by scientific men appear, that dogs and sheep must live 
together for certain parasites to extend their ravages with effect. 
On all the sheep-farms I visited last summer, sturdy was com- 
plained of, and on all such farms there were dogs. Such was the 
case at Cairnton, Mill of Kincarnardine, on Glendye, and in other 
localities. Mr. Falconer, of Balnakettle, a gentleman of great 
experience, and other farmers, assured me that there has been 
more giddiness in sheep within the last two or three years than 
they had ever witnessed before, and the losses, in consequence, 



604 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

are sometimes greater than by that fatal malady " braxy." This 
clearly does not depend on a large number of dogs being kept; 
but there are many conditions affecting the propagation of para- 
sites, and if destructive agencies were not as universal as the 
productive, much more effectually would vermin and parasites 
multiply and spread their baneful influence, to the detriment of 
mankind. It is accidental circumstances that affect the develop- 
ment of diseases of animals. If every germ produced by a single 
tape-worm, in a limited period of time, were to take effect, it 
would be quite sufficient to exterminate the flocks of Great Brit- 
ain; but, I repeat, the laws established to procure the multipli- 
cation of any animal are counteracted by an infinity of uncon- 
trolled, but, perhaps, not uncontrollable, agencies. The latent 
vitality of the eggs of such "parasites is extremely difficult to 
destroy, and, to use the words of one of Kuchenmelster's review- 
ers, after months of exposure to warmth and moisture, the pulpy 
and putrid debris of segments of the taenia solium yield ova which 
show no sign of any approach of degeneration or decay. And the 
writer of this review has been struck by the remarkable way in 
which the size and structure of these ova allow them to elude all 
precautions that may be taken against their mechanical dispersion. 
In spite of every attempt to insure their destruction, by steeping 
the specimen glasses he may have used in strong acids, and by 
afterward bathing them in the flame of a spirit-lamp, he has once 
or twice found the characteristic ova appear most unaccountably 
in healthy and diseased tissues of secretions of the human body, 
which he has subsequently examined with these glasses. The 
dissolution of the parent tissues ultimately sets free the eggs con- 
tained in their interior, to be carried by the winds and waves 
wherever accident may determine. How vast a number of them 
miscarry is evident when we attempt to take the census of a single 
tape-worm ! Or imagine the million of eggs such a parent foists 
upon society during the years it may inhabit a given animal. 
What becomes of these abortive germs, how long they retain any 
vitality, and what are the circumstances that may rob them of it 
are questions we can not answer, save by the conjecture that their 
albuminous and fatty materials are either applied to the soil in a 
decomposed form, or are consumed as food by various of the 
minute intervertebra that throng the surface of the earth and the 
waters. But the more fortunate minority of these eggs, the des- 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN. 605 

tiny of which is to eat instead of being eaten, after many and long 
wanderings of this passive nature, are, at length, engulfed by some 
unconscious animal in company with its food, and, through its 
alimentary canal, attain the locality of their second form of exist- 
ence. During this passive emigration, the worm has retained its 
previous size (l-700th of an inch) and shape. But its thick wall 
bursts and sets free the inclosed embryo, which is an ovoid body, 
of nearly equal size, armed with six hooklets at one extremity. 
Impelled by instinct to begin its active migration, the embryo 
pierces the first portion of its path by bringing together the an- 
terior pair of hooks, so as to form with them a kind of wedge- 
shaped stiletto, and now drags itself forward in the same direc- 
tion by means of the succeeding pairs of hooks, which it uses like 
a person who, in attempting to get out of a bow-window, thrusts 
himself forward by his elbows. In this way the minute embryo 
penetrates the body it inhabits, and only increases its efforts on 
reaching the place its instinct recognizes as suitable for its abode, 
prior to the next series of changes it has to undergo. Streaks of 
reactive inflammation and exudation generally indicate the minute 
channel by which the embryo thus traverses the wall of the digest- 
ive canal, in its course to the liver or other organs. The migra- 
tion of a taenia is probably a passive process. Various facts suggest 
it to be so — " a true locomotion, effected under the impulse of an 
instinct, and by means of certain special organs. The germs of 
parasites are evidently carried through the system in the stream 
of circulating blood, and they do not always travel themselves 
through the interstices of tissues. 

Sturdy was long considered as dependent on a simple accumu- 
lation of water on the brain, generally affecting one side. Loecke 
had observed, in 1780, that the water-bladders on the brain of 
giddy sheep were animals ; and Fabricus (Harvey's master) was 
the first to assert the same respecting the cysticercus of the pig. 
Albildguard, the founder of the Copenhagen Veterinary School, 
observed that a tape-worm (the bothriocephalus latus) which ex- 
isted in the abdominal cavity of the stickle-back, and in the 
intestinal canal of certain water birds, never had eggs in the 
former but only in the latter situation; and that from the first- 
mentioned creature it passed into the second, he ascertained by 
direct experiments with ducks, which he fed on banstickles. 
Goetze, in 1782, had perceived the great resemblance between the 



606 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

head of the hydatid of the liver of mice and rats, the cysticercus 
fasciolaris, and of the tape-worm of the cat (taenia crassicollis.) 
The cercarise was first studied by Miiller, and lastly by Bejanus, 
in 1818, who recognized them as parasitic in certain snails, in- 
closed in bags. M. Wagner and Von Siebold and Steenstrup 
fancied they had discovered the change cercarise underwent to 
become true fluke-worms. Ehrenberg, in 1852, disputed Steen- 
strup's accepted metamorphoses, and only gives the resemblance 
of the tailless cercarioe, with a trematode worm. Dr. Kuchen- 
meister, of Sittau, instituted ingenious experiments to settle these 
hypotheses. He made dogs and cats swallow hydatids, which de- 
veloped into tape-worms in the intestines. From the hydatids of 
the liver of cats and mice the taenia crassicollis in the intestines 
of the cat arose, and from the cysticercus of the hare and rabbit 
the taenia serrata in the intestine of the dog ; so that if the water- 
bladder is lost, the head of the worm attaches itself to the head 
of the mucous membrane, the rings constituting the body of the 
tape-worms, including the organs of reproduction, and they are 
thus formed. By repeated experiments, made by several eminent 
zoologists, the deductions were confirmed." 

Shaking Palsy. 

Shaking palsy is a condition of the animal economy known 
to medical men as irregular or abnormal nervous action. It gen- 
erally occurs in cows of the nervous temperament, whose digest- 
ive organs are deranged; and, so far as my experience goes, the 
disease is confined to imported stock, of the Alderney breed. I 
lately attended an Alderney cow, the property of Mr. Chenery, 
at the " Highland Stock Farm/' Belmont, Mass. 

Symptoms. — The patient was suddenly attacked with symptoms 
of irregular nervous action of the muscles of the chest and fore- 
legs, simulating shaking palsy. The membranes of the eyes were 
highly injected; pulse, jerking in unison with the irregular mus- 
cular action; external surface, extremities, and horns, quite chilly; 
respirations, normal ; pulse small and languid. 

Treatment. — I gave the patient three drachms of fluid extract 
of golden-seal, and the same quantity of fluid extract of camomile 
flowers. The spine and fore extremities were then irritated by the 
application of tincture of capsicum. On visiting the animal, the 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN. 607 

next day, I found her in better condition. The tremulous motion 
had somewhat subsided, and I pronounced her out of danger. She 
finally recovered without much subsequent treatment. 

It is my opinion that this case had its origin in derangement 
of the digestive organs and constipation ; for, after the exhibition 
of the tonics (" bitters/') which aroused the action of the stomach, 
the animal passed an immense quantity of black, fetid excrement. 
The quantity was so great that it occasioned remarks on the sub- 
ject from all who visited her. 

Hydrophobia. 

There are generally some circumstances connected with a case 
of hydrophobia which aiford a clue to its real nature. It often 
happens that evidence conclusive is furnished that the animal has 
been bitten by a rabid dog. If this be the case, all doubts are at 
an end. 

Symptoms. — In the early stages of the disease, there may be 
nothing in the symptoms to excite suspicion as regards the true 
character of the affection; they may merely denote approaching 
illness ; but if the animal has been bitten by a rabid dog, or any 
other animal, and has become inoculated with the virus, which is 
usually communicated through the medium of the saliva, then 
any slight deviation from health, as shown by suspension of ru- 
mination, or by any other abnormal condition which may attract 
the attention of the farmer, is the precursor of the dreadful 
malady which is to follow. The most marked symptoms of hy- 
drophobia are, protrusion of the eyeballs; the conjunctivial mem- 
brane is very much reddened, and, in fact, all the visible surfaces 
of the eyes, nostrils, and mouth are much inflamed. The animal 
is ripe for mischief, bellows occasionally, will paw and tear up the 
ground with its horns, and, on the least excitement, will become 
more dangerous than a rabid dog, trying, however, to do injury, 
to friend or foe, with its horns rather than with its teeth. The 
rabid cow or ox will drink water, if it can swallow ; in fact, it gen- 
erally suffers from intense thirst ; but the fact is, the poor creature 
can not swallow a drop. The least attempt at deglutition induces 
spasms of the larynx, and puts the animal into the most distress- 
ing agony. It is not the sight of water that puts a rabid animal 
into convulsions, as some persons suppose; for in the early stage 



608 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

of the disease, when the membrane of the larynx is not much 
affected, they will drink freely. 

Treatment. — It is well known that the poison of all rabid ani- 
mals resides in the saliva, consequently they can not be handled 
and drenched without fear of danger ; for if a small quantity of 
the saliva comes in contact with an abraded surface or sore, the 
unfortunate individual is just as much in danger as if he had 
been bitten. The only remedies that seem likely to be of any 
service are the plantain leaf (plantago major) and lobelia. Take 
four ounces of each of these herbs, and infuse them in two quarts 
of boiling water ; when cool, strain through a fine sieve, and ad- 
minister at once. If at the end of a few hours the patient has 
not improved, it will be advisable to destroy him. 

The following interesting case occurred in the practice of Mr. 
G. Lewis, of Monmouth, England : 

" I was requested to see a cow, the property of an extensive 
farmer near this town. Upon my arrival he gave me the follow- 
ing history of the case: ( On the 15th ult., the calf from this cow, 
tied in an out-house, was severely bitten in the nose and mouth 
by a dog, it was believed, although none was seen. But the cattle 
which were in the same meadow were in a very excited state, 
lowing and bellowing, as also the calf; and, upon the arrival of 
the shepherd, who hastened to the spot, he found the calf much 
torn, and the cow with blood upon her nose. The calf, from this 
period until the 27th, could not take its milk in the natural man- 
ner, and was obliged to be drenched. But from the above date, 
the wounds having healed, and the animal apparently recovered 
from the injuries it had received, it was turned to the cow, and 
took its milk in the usual way, which it continued to do up to the 
31st, at which period the teats of the cow were bitten by the calf. 
From this date the calf became very ill, appeared to have sore 
throat, made a very peculiar noise, a kind of half bellow and 
roar, continued to get worse, and died on the 3d inst.' I did not 

see him, but such is the description given to me by Mr. J , 

and I know that it is a faithful one. My attention was now 
directed to the cow. She was observed yesterday to separate her- 
self from the others, and to bellow occasionally; but this morn- 
ing she was seen to foam greatly at the mouth, and appeared 
much excited. The other cattle, also, would not associate with 
her, but kept at a respectful distance, with their heads and tails 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN. 609 

erect. She was now brought to the house, at which time I first 
saw her. She was standing ; the eyes were half-closed ; she ap- 
peared to be in a kind of stupor, or half comatose state ; extrem- 
ities, natural temperature ; respiration, natural. She was looking 
rather thin ; she was always a remarkably quiet creature, but now 
the least noise appears greatly to agitate her. The human voice, 
or the slightest movement, is sufficient to cause her eyes to glare, 
and set her bellowing, which ends in something between a growl 
and a roar. A person whistling, or the bark of a dog, produces 
fearful excitement. These paroxysms also appear to come on 
spontaneously. At their termination, the eyes again become half- 
closed, the abdominal muscles tremble, the respiration is slightly 
quickened, and the pulse is quick and tremulous. I remarked 
that some water might be brought. Upon presenting the same 
she plunged her nose into the bucket, but could not swallow, and 
the effect was fearful to behold. 

I informed Mr. J as to the nature of the case, stating that 

I had no hesitation in pronouncing it to be a case of hydropho- 
bia ; but, as he did not wish to have her destroyed, and was very 
anxious that I should give her something, and watch the case, I 
merely ordered a purgative, combined with a little febrifuge med- 
icine, at the same time pointing out the propriety of being cau- 
tious while administering the medicine, and the probable imprac- 
ticability of it, which was verified. 

September 14. — All the symptoms of yesterday are aggravated 
intensively. The eyes have still a heavy appearance, when sud- 
denly they appear like two brilliants. I observe that the spasm 
is more severe, and that she bites the wood-work of her stall. 

September 15. — Much worse; the cornea of the left eye, in its 
center, is become opaque, and appears as though nitrate of silver 
had been applied to it. She sometimes lies down, but gets up 
again and roars. Upon a person present putting his foot near 
her mouth, she made an effort to seize it, uttering a growl. She 
died this evening. 

" Post mortem examination, seventeen hours after death. — The 
brain — its substance appeared healthy. The pia mater showed 
intense inflammation in small patches; its vessels generally were 
very fully congested. The larynx showed traces of intense in- 
flammation, as also did the membrane lining of the trachea, 
throughout its entire length, and was most beautifully spotted, 
39 



610 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



as was also the lungs, pleura pulmonalis, pericardium, and heart. 
The coats of the first and third stomachs parted upon the slightest 
touch, in patches. The abdominal viscera, also, was similarly 
spotted, as was the diaphragm, etc., although not so thickly as the 
respiratory organs." 




SPECIMEN OF AN A.LDEUNEY BULL. 




SECTION XXVI. 

THE LIVER AND ITS DISEASES. 

Description of the Liver — Secretion of Bile; its Uses, etc. — Gall-bladder- 
Inflammation of the Liver — Hydatids — Jaundice, or Yellows. 



Description of the Liver. 

THE liver is the largest gland in the body. Unlike the liver 
of a horse, it has a large reservoir for the reception of the 
bile, called the gall-bladder. In form it is irregular, being convex 
anteriorly, or toward the diaphragm, with which it is in contact, 
and concave on its posterior surface, or toward and in the vicinity 
of a part of the stomach. It is composed of two lobes. That 
on the right side is the larger. The central portion of the gland 
is the thickest, and it gradually becomes thin toward its borders. 
The mass consists of a vast number of minute lobules, varying in 
size and form, containing a net-work of biliary ducts connected 
with their main trunks, and a large number of biliary cells; and 
each is connected, in like manner, with three blood-vessels ; namely, 
the hepatic or nutrient artery of the liver ; the vena porta, which 
returns the venous blood after it has circulated through the intes- 
tines ; the hepatic vein, which carries back the blood received from 
both the other sources. It will be seen, therefore, that the venous 
blood, which is brought to the liver by the vena portse, is intended 
for the elimination of bile ; therefore this vessel seems to act in 
the double capacity of vein and artery ; for, as a vein, it receives 
blood from the abdominal viscera ; as an artery it ramifies through 
the liver, forms a capillary net-work, and then secretes the bile. 
From this capillary net- work, which can be traced to the center 
of the minute lobules, the hepatic vein takes its origin, collecting 
the blood from the capillary net-work. It then unites with other 

(611) 



612 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

radicles to form the main trunk, by which it is delivered into the 
vena cava. 

The branches of the hepatic artery are principally distributed 
upon the walls of the hepatic ducts, and upon the trunks and 
branches of the portal and hepatic veins, supplying these and the 
contiguous parts with the necessary amount of arterial blood for 
their nourishment, as well as that of the whole gland. 

The investing membrane of the liver, from which prolongations 
extend into its substance, is termed Glisson's capsule. 

The liver derives its nerves and nervo-vital power from the 
great sympathetic and eighth pair. 

The liver is confined to its situation by ligaments, which get 
the name of broad, lateral, coronary, and round. The round lig- 
ament is the remains of the umbilical vein of the fetus. The 
others are continuations or duplicatures of the peritoneum. 

Secretion or Bile; its Uses, etc. 

The bile is secreted from the capillaries of the hepatic artery, 
by minute glands found on the surface of the biliary ducts. It 
then passes through the biliary pores and branches of the hepatic 
duct. By this duct it is conveyed to the ductus communis chole- 
dochus (union of the cystic and hepatic ducts), from whence, in 
part, it passes by the cystic duct to the gall-bladder. When needed 
in the duodenum, it returns by the cystic duct, and mixes in the 
ductus communis choledochus with fresh bile from the hepatic 
duct, and then passes into the duodenum. The bile having en- 
tered the intestine, mixes with the aliment and pancreatic juice. 
The pancreatic juice changes the digested aliment into a brown 
mass, termed chyme, and then emulsifies it. After being emulsi- 
fied, a portion of the chyle is taken up by the lacteals and enters 
the receptaculum chyli. In a healthy state of the system, should 
any bile escape with the chyle, it is absorbed by the mesenteric 
glands, and returns to the liver by the vena portse. 

Gall-bladder. 

The gall-bladder is a pear-shaped bag connected with the con- 
cave and posterior surface of the liver, by the above vessels and 
cellular membrane. It has four coats, termed peritoneal, cellular, 



THE LIVER AND ITS DISEASES. . 613 

musclar, and villous. The villous coat is the internal one, and is 
thrown into numerous minute folds, arranged in a reticular form, 
filled with small ducts, or follicles, and glands. The latter secrete 
a fluid for the protection of the internal surface. 

Inflammation of the Liver. 

Cattle and young stock, when fed too high, or when allowed to 
luxuriate in a rich meadow, are often attacked with an acute dis- 
ease of the liver. 

Symptoms. — The principal symptoms of this malady are yellow- 
ness of the .membrane which lines the eyelids, and covers that part 
known as the "white of the eye." The visible surfaces of the 
mouth are also of a yellow tinge. In addition to the above symp- 
toms, the animal is feverish, thirsty ; mouth and base of the horns, 
hot ; pulse, accelerated ; breathing, rather laborious ; rumination 
is suspended, and the animal is said to have " lost its cud." Some 
fullness will also generally be observed on the right side, in the 
region of the liver, and the animal will occasionally turn its head 
in that direction, as if it were the seat of pain, which is probably 
the case ; yet the most reliable symptoms, in a disease of this char- 
acter, are a yellow tinge of the visible surfaces, accompanied by 
febrile symptoms. 

Treatment. — The most rational method of treating this disease 
is to endeavor to mitigate the inflammatory diathesis, and restore 
the normal function of the liver. In view of accomplishing these 
desirable results, I recommend the following prescription : 

No. 111. Glauber salts 16 oz. 

Powdered mandrake 2 dr. 

The salts should be dissolved in one quart of tepid water ; then 
add the mandrake, and drench the animal by means of a common 
porter-bottle. This drench should be poured down the oesopha- 
gus in a gradual manner, so as to prevent its being received into 
the rumen, or paunch. 

The patient should, if possible, be dieted on green fodder. If 
such can not be procured, some sliced cabbage, turnips, or carrots 
may be substituted. A tea-spoonful of mandrake should be given 
daily in the food, until the visible surfaces assume their natural color. 
A curable case will generally yield under the above treatment. 



614 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

This disease sometimes runs into a chronic type, and is known 
by the yellow color of visible surfaces, dull, sleepy appearance of 
the subject, and absence of those acute symptoms which are inva- 
riably present in the inflammatory stage. A chronic disease of this 
character may exist for months and even years without interfering 
very essentially with the general health. Finally, however, the 
liver undergoes alterations in structure, becomes hardened or in- 
durated, or else it becomes tuberculous, or is the seat of hydatids, 
and the fluke-worm is often found in the ducts. The treatment 
for chronic disease of the liver is as follows : 

No. 112. Powdered iodide of potassium 2 dr. 

Powdered golden seal 4 oz. 

Mix. 

Divide the mass into six equal parts, and give one in a little 
water, every morning, on an empty stomach. The medicine may 
be continued for some length of time without the least danger. If 
this treatment does not benefit the animal, the case is probably 
incurable. 

Hydatids. 

Hydatids, commonly known as " flukes," consist of a sac or 
vesicle filled with fluid. To the naked eye it appears as a simple 
enveloping cyst ; but on examining it more closely, by means of 
the microscope, it shows many tunics or coats, and these are the 
rudimentary cells in various stages of growth. According to Car- 
penter, these rudimentary developments project more and more 
into the parent cell, and, at last, become detached from its wall, 
and lie loosely within it. Shortly before this separation, however, 
the young hydatid is seen to contain smaller cells, which increase 
in size along with it. This increase continues until the new brood 
thus formed entirely fills the cavity of the parent, and a further 
increase causes the rupture of the sac and the escape of the progeny • 
and these, in their turn, undergo the same evolution, becoming 
parent hydatids in distinct cysts, and setting free their contained 
cells as a subsequent generation. These cystic entozoa are never 
found in the alimentary canal, but are always embedded in the 
liver, brain, or glands of organs. They obtain their food by ab- 
sorption from the inner surface of the investing membrane. Hy- 
datids infest the various organs of the bodies of all mammalia, 
and, although they are said to possess an independent existence 



THE LIVER AND ITS DISEASES. 615 

while residents of the organ or organs which they inhabit, they 
die immediately when removed from their chosen habitation. 

" The principal genera of cystic entozoa are, cysticercus, coenurus, 
echinococcus, to which may be added acephalocystis. Several spe- 
cies of cysticercus are enumerated, but the most common are cys- 
ticercus tenicollis and cysticercus cellulosus. The former (taenia 
hydatagenia, hydatis globosa) is met with frequently in the peri- 
toneum and pleura of ruminating animals and pigs. It is often 
generated in the disease called rot, where another entozoon, the 
distoma, or fluke-worm, is met with in the biliary ducts (liver). 
The cysticercus cellulosis is found generally lodged in the tissues 
of the muscles. It occurs sometimes in man, but more frequently 
in animals, particularly in the hog, where it causes the disease de- 
nominated measles. Of the genus coenurus (hyclatis polycephalus), 
the species cerebralis is found in the brain of sheep, oxen, and 
other ruminating animals. These hydatids on the brain of sheep 
cause the disease called sturdy, or giddiness. The hydatids be- 
longing to the genus echinococcus are considered, by some, as va- 
rieties of the acephalocyst. They are commonly called granular 
hydatids, from the presence of numerous granules which float in 
the fluid of the cyst, or adhere to its walls. There are two species 
of echinococcus. One, echinococcus hominis, has been met with 
in the brain and abdomen of man, in a few instances ; the other, 
echinococcus veterinorum, occurs in the hog and other animals. 

Hydatids occur much less frequently in the brains of cattle in 
Great Britain than in other countries, as Youatt has correctly said, 
in his treatise on the ' Diseases of the Ox.' It occurs only in the 
young animals. Indeed, it obeys the same laws that guide the 
development of the coenurus in the sheep ; and it is a well-estab- 
lished fact that it is only when animals are growing that the germs 
for the propagation of the bladder- worms will be taken up, and 
carried to parts probably through the blood. 

The success attending the trephine, in cases of hydatids in the 
brain of the ox, is very great and encouraging ; and not only have 
I read interesting and convincing records on this subject, but, in 
conversation with skillful and experienced veterinarians, I have 
learned that trephining is an operation often to be relied upon." * 

The liver is sometimes enormously enlarged, in consequence of 

*Pan, in the "London Field." 



616 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

the presence of a numerous progeny of the fluke-worm. The fol- 
lowing ease, contributed to the " Veterinarian " by Surgeon J. B. 
Gregory, will serve to illustrate this matter. The morbid parts 
referred to were sent by Mr. Gregory to the editor of the " Vet- 
erinarian," who makes the remarks inclosed in brackets : 

" The morbid parts I send were taken from a well-bred, short- 
horned cow, six years old, estimated to weigh, when fat, one hun- 
dred and twenty-five stones of eight pounds. She was purchased 
in August last, with a warranty to calve in November following. 
On September 2d her owner called on me, and wished me to give 
her some medicine, as he thought she was not quite recovered from 
the effects of being driven sixteen miles. The medicine I sent had 
a beneficial effect, as the cow's appetite returned, and she appeared 
to be quite well again. After this I heard no more of her until 
the 6th of January last, when I was requested to go and give my 
opinion as to her being in calf, it being two months beyond the 
time she was expected to calve. I found that her appetite and 
rumination were natural, the pulse regular, and the kidneys and 
bowels acting well. There was, however, a peculiar expression of 
her countenance, that told of continuous pain. Her eyes, also, 
were sunk in their orbits, and she had a frequent and troublesome 
cough. Her skin, likewise, had lost its pliancy, and she was sadly 
out of condition, but no yellowness of the mouth or eyes was pres- 
ent. I first examined her abdomen externally, by percussing the 
right side, with a view of determining her pregnancy; but the 
body my hand came in contact with was too large for, and had 
not the feel of, a foetus. As the cow had occasionally been observed 
to strain, I was now induced to examine her per vaginum, when 
I found the os uteri to be indurated and unyielding. I could also 
distinctly feel a round and hard substance, about the size of a large 
cricket-ball, and which I supposed to be the right ovary ; the other 
one, however, I could not find. I told the owner that the cow was 
not in calf, unless it were extra uterine, and that, in all probability, 
the mass we could feel from the outside was a tumor within the 
abdomen. I also added that medicine could do no good in such a 
case. He at once decided on having her killed, which afforded me 
the opportunity of making a post mortem examination. All the 
viscera were healthy, with the exception of those I send. The 
liver, as you will see, is the organ principally affected. It weighed, 
when first removed, one hundred and forty-six pounds. Its great 



THE LIVER AND ITS DISEASES. 617 

size led to its encroaching on the space occupied by the other vis- 
cera, all of which were more or less compressed. It did not adhere 
to the side of the abdomen, but was firmly attached to the dia- 
phragm, and also, in places, to the intestines. In my examination 
I had the assistance of Mr. Hearn, M. R. C. V. S., who was re- 
cently your pupil, and who has, I believe, also written to you on 
the subject. The cause of the enlargement of the liver is evident 
enough, being produced by hydatids, but I leave to you to describe 
the variety to which they belong. I have attended post mortem 
examinations of many cattle since 1828, but never met with any 
thing like this before. 

[The description given by Mr. Gregory leaves us but little to 
say respecting this extraordinary enlargement of the liver, as 
stated by him. The sole cause of its increase in size was due to 
the presence of an immense number of hydatids in the substance 
of the organ. These entozoa belonged to the variety designated 
the acephalocystis endogena, and each cyst contained within it a 
considerable quantity of the so-called echinococci. In the ' Trans- 
actions of the Veterinary Medical Association/ for 1842-3, a simi- 
lar case is recorded as occurring in a pig, which is illustrated by a 
colored plate, and which may be said to depict equally as well 
the condition of the liver of the animal in question.]" 

Jaundice, or Yellows. 

This disease is of very common occurrence among horned crea- 
tures. The stall-fed animal is, probably, more subject to it than 
those otherwise fed. From this the reader will infer that it is 
more likely to occur in the winter or spring than at any other 
season, which is the case. In order to prove this, let any one 
visit our markets, and note the color of the fat of beef, and he will 
notice the yellow appearance of almost all the beef offered for sale. 
There may be some exceptions, yet this feature of fat is a sure 
sign that the animals, while living, were not entirely free from 
functional derangement of the liver. This peculiar color, how- 
ever, is very rarely, if ever, found to pervade the brain, humors 
of the eye, or the milk during lactation. 

Occasionally a yellow tinge of the visible surfaces (membranes 
of the mouth, nose, and eyes) appears very suddenly, and is sup- 
posed to originate from sympathetic action of the brain upon the 



618 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

liver ; yet it may arise in the same sudden manner, in consequence 
of gastro-intestinal irritation, produced by the introduction of 
poisonous plants and rough food, such as corn-stalks and sugar- 
cane, into the stomach. Jaundice, in a very protracted form, often 
owes its origin to the presence of biliary calculi. So say the au- 
thorities ; but I have examined many gall-bladders after death, 
yet have never succeeded in finding any ; and I have inquired of 
many slaughterers, and am informed that they never observed any 
stones in the gall-bladder ; yet, in various alkaline districts of this 
country, I presume biliary calculi may be as common as in the 
chalky regions of the old world. According to concurrent testi- 
mony, the presence of biliary calculi in the gall-bladder of an ox 
does not interfere much with the general health ; but they occasion 
a jaundiced appearance, a general eye-sore, which renders yellow 
beef unacceptable to the palate of an epicure, and the shrewd 
butcher declines to deal in any thing yellow, except pure " dust." 
I know of no symptoms by which the presence of biliary calculi 
can be detected prior to death. 

The following paragraph occurs in " Youatt on Cattle," and 
may throw some light on the subject : 

" Sometimes, they (calculi) enter the duct (the cyst) which con- 
veys the bile to the intestines. They are likely to do this on ac- 
count of their swimming on the surface of the fluid which the 
bladder contains. The cystic duct is large at its union with the 
bladder. It is a continuation of the neck of the bladder, and the 
gall-stone may be easily pressed into the commencement of the 
tube ; but it has scarcely entered it before its passage is obstructed 
by the folds of the inner coat of the duct. These assume a semi- 
lunar form, with the edges projecting toward the bladder, and they 
act as partial valves, retarding the progress of the bile, so that it 
may not all be pressed out at once, but gradually escape as the 
process .of digestion may require. The gall-stone being thus im- 
pacted, violent spasmodic action takes place in the muscles of the 
duct, occasioned by the irritation of its continued pressure. It is 
fortunate, however, that, although the muscles of these ducts act 
with some power, the obstruction is usually, with no great diffi- 
culty, overcome. The duct distends ; as it distends these valvular 
folds lie closer to the sides, and no longer oppose the passage of the 
calculus, which is pressed on until it reaches the common duct. 
The caliber of this tube is larger, and, unless the calculus is of con- 



THE LIVER AND ITS DISEASES. 619 

siderable bulk, no farther difficulty occurs until it reaches the 
opening into the duodenum, which, being situated in the center of 
a muscular prominence, acting as a valve, and preventing the pas- 
sage of all matters, whether fluid or solid, from the intestine into 
the ducts, a new difficulty is opposed to the progress of the gall- 
stones, and there is some return of pain, and, in a few cases, the 
pain is evidently more intense than in the early stage. At length, 
this sphincter muscle of the duodenum dilates, the calculus enters 
the intestinal canal, the pain ceases, and the natural color of the 
skin returns. In this species of jaundice, we have, in addition to 
the yellow skin, the heaving of the flanks, the hard, concentrated 
pulse, the diminished appetite, the insatiable thirst, and the other 
symptoms of fever. Then, too, we have the alternate cold and 
heat of the ears, the roughness of the coat, the urine becoming 
first of a transparent yellow, and then opaque red, saffron-colored, 
or brown, and the sediment brown. The bowels are constipated, 
the feces seldom evacuated, and, when appearing, are hard and 
black." 

Treatment — "When occasioned by the presence of gall-stones, the 
animal should have a daily drench, composed of 1 

No. 113. Hydrochloric acid 2 dr. 

Water 1 quart. 

Every other day, give three drachms of fluid extract of man- 
drake. This will arouse' the liver to healthy and vigorous action 
and will remove from the intestinal canal all irritating substances. 

When jaundice is occasioned by either functional or organic dis- 
ease of the liver, I generally give the following : 

No. 114. Fluid extract of mandrake 1 oz. 

Powdered hyposulphite of soda \ oz. 

Water 1 pint. 

Mix. 

Let this dose be given every morning, before feeding, for five 
or six days, or until the visible surface of the mouth becomes of a 
more natural color. In the day time the animal should be turned 
out to grass, if the season permits. 





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SECTION XXVII. 

DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 

Exanthemata, oe Eruptive Fever — Mange — Foul in the Foot — "Warts — 
Gadflies — Yoke Galls — The Hair of Cattle an Epidermic Appendage — 
Pemphvgis or Vesicular Eruption — Cracks in the Heels of Cattle. 

Exanthemata, or Eruptive Fever. 

EXANTHEMATA is the name given to a contagious (some- 
times epizootic) or eruptive fever which occurs among cattle. 
The following cases will probably give the reader a good idea of 
the cause and nature of the malady now under consideration : 

An unusual and alarming disease having made its appearance 
on the premises of Mr. Waterman, at Warsaw, I was requested 
to visit the place, in view of ascertaining, if possible, the nature 
of the disease, its cause, and treatment. On arriving at the place 
designated, I learned that disease and death had run riot, making 
terrible ravages among a herd of cattle which, only a few weeks 
ago, numbered eight hundred, but are now reduced to six hun- 
dred. The loss of two hundred fine animals in the course of a 
few weeks was a calamity calculated to alarm the husbandmen in 
the whole neighborhood. 

From information obtained on the premises, I learned that no 
disease of the kind had ever prevailed there, nor in the regions 
where the cattle had been purchased, but the most positive evi- 
dence seemed to show that the malady had a spontaneous origin 
on the premises of the proprietor. Some of the animals were 
purchased in Missouri, and, when they arrived at Warsaw, were 
as poor as Pharaoh's " lean kine," splendid specimens of skin and 
bone. The dietary arrangements of the establishment were not 
calculated to benefit their condition, their principal food being 
" slop " from the distillery. It was not the intention of the owner 
(620) 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 621 

to feed this large herd of cattle exclusively on "swill," but his 
stock of hay having become exhausted, and the roads being in 
very bad condition, it was impossible to obtain a supply of the 
same. In consequence the function of rumination, or remastica- 
tion, was suspended. The hot " swill " from the distillery failed 
to distend the complex stomach of the animal to a healthy ca- 
pacity; it operated so as to produce a lax state of the bowels, 
amounting, in a large number of cases, to actual diarrhea, or 
liquid stools having an offensive odor. The constant discharge 
from the bowels of liquid feces augmented the debility of the 
"lean kine." They became afflicted with a mortal malady, or 
enzootic affection, which ran like wild fire through the whole 
herd. It manifested itself, first, in a condition of anemia; then 
depilation of the hair took place; the external surface of the 
body, in many cases, presented a raw surface, and the animals 
seemed to be crazy to rub themselves against any fulcrum that 
would mitigate their intolerable itchiness. Many of them got 
down on the floor, and, by contact, abraded the external surface 
of the body in many places, so that the raw flesh was exposed, 
and, in some cases, the hip bones protruded. It was noticed that 
whenever an animal thus affected got down on the floor, death 
invariably closed the scene. Some of the creatures thus having 
the finger of Death upon them were charitably put out of their 
misery, by killing them outright. 

It appeared to be of an exanthematous character, and conta- 
gious. The proof of its contagiousness seemed to be evident, from 
the fact that the whole herd were affected with precisely the same 
pathological symptoms ; namely, depilation of hair, debility, erup- 
tions on the surface of the body, anemia, diarrhea, etc. I might 
be mistaken about the contagious element of the disease, but give 
my readers the facts, and leave them to form their own opinions. 
It may be that the evils to which the animals were subjected, and 
which was operative in implanting the malady in the system of 
the first victim, was operative, and produced the same in all the 
rest of the herd ; but I have no proof of a positive character to 
offer in favor of either theory. 

I had supposed that the skin disease was, like itch, dependent 
on the presence of parasites located under the scarfskin ; but in 
the use of a good magnifying power, the supposed parasites were 
not discernible, but beneath the scarfskin, in the integuments and 



622 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

subtissues, were observed a multitude of minute local beds of 
lymph, from which sprang the superficial local malady on the 
skin. Incrustations, or scales, solitary and in clusters, formed 
wherever the deeper-seated integuments were affected; and in 
some cases, when the scabs were rubbed off, the parts looked red 
and inflamed, and some persons contended that the animals had 
the red or mad itch. Almost every person who saw the animals 
declared that itch was the disease ; but, knowing that itch is due 
to the presence of parasites, and failing to detect any, I could not 
so name the malady. 

I examined very carefully the external surface of the body, yet 
could not detect either lice or parasites to account for the intoler- 
able itchiness which was present, more or less, in the whole herd. 
From all the evidence I was enabled to obtain during a brief 
visit, I was forced to the conclusion that the cutaneous affection 
was of an exanthematous character, and resembled eczema. 
Nearly all the animals were in a state of debility ; all had daily 
been losing flesh, and those which I had examined after death 
were anemiac (bloodless). Their muscles were pale, like those of 
a calf when bled to death. Their stomachs and intestines were 
void of food ; the hot swill seemed to have found no resting-place 
in the digestive cavities, but ran through them like a dose of 
cathartic medicine. The internal organs of those animals I ex- 
amined presented no signs of disease, except that they were pale 
and bloodless. 

Causes. — The causes of the disease may be summed up as fol- 
lows : Debility, from insufficient nutritive food ; the filthy condi- 
tion of the' cattle-pens and surroundings ; herding of too many 
animals together in a small space ; want of pure air, exercise, and 
muscle-making nitrogenous fodder. 

• Treatment. — I informed the proprietor of the establishment that 
no medicinal remedies would be of any avail unless the exciting 
causes were removed, and suggested that the afflicted animals be 
allowed the use of their limbs and lungs on dry ground, in the 
open air, within an extensive inclosure, and that they should be 
allowed a bounteous supply of hay, corn, and corn-stalks; then 
medicinal remedies of a tonic, stimulant, and alterative character, 
which I prescribed, might prove beneficial. For the local affec- 
tion, I prescribed linseed oil, petroleum, lime-water, and sulphur. 
Several applications of this compound were made, and the subjects* 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 623 

were much benefited thereby. Many of the affected animals, 
however, were in such a deplorable condition that I urged the 
owner to have them destroyed, as a deed of charity. 

Mange. 

This disease is too well known to need any particular descrip- 
tion from me. It is due to the presence of parasites ; hence it can 
be communicated by contact or touch, and is, therefore, conta- 
gious. This latter fact suggests the propriety of removing the 
diseased animals from the healthy ones. 

Treatment. — Let the animal have a table-spoonful of sulphur in 
the food, for three or four days in succession ; in the mean time, 
anoint the affected parts daily with a portion of the following : 

No. 115. Cod-liver oil 6 oz. 

Sublimated sulphur 2 oz. 

Mix. 

Apply by means of a sponge. 

In the course of four or five days, wash the surface of the body 
with warm water and soap, and then give the body a thorough 
sponging with the following : 

No. 116. Lime-water 1 qt. 

Sublimated sulphur » . . 2 oz. 

The above treatment generally cures the most inveterate cases. 

Foul, in the Foot. 

In cases of this character the animal is dead lame, and often an 
intolerable stench arises from the parts between the claws. This 
is followed by the discharge of sanious and, finally, purulent 
matter. In this stage astringents and antiseptics are indicated; 
therefore I recommend the following : 

No. 117. Tincture of matieo 2 oz. 

Pyroligneous acid 1 pt. 

Glycerine 4 oz. 

Mix. 

Saturate a small piece of sponge with a portion of the above, 
and introduce it between the "cleft" of the foot; the hoof and 
contiguous parts are then to be bathed with the preparation ; and, 



624 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

finally, in view of keeping the sponge in place, and to produce a 
good effect on the external parts, a narrow bandage must be ap- 
plied, so as to encircle the hoof. If any heat or tenderness exist, 
the bandage should be kept moist with cold water. 

Warts. 

Warts, as they occur on cattle, are of three kinds. One makes 
its appearance upon the skin, and consists, in part, of an increased 
development of the epidermis or scarfskin; the next kind origi- 
nates under the epidermis, and, as it grows, elevates the same ; the 
latter, however, is nothing more than a common encysted fibrous 
tumor, without organization. This can readily be removed by 
cutting down upon it, and dissecting out the cyst or sac which 
enshrouds it. The epidermic wart sometimes has a very broad 
base, and, in order to remove it, a double-armed ligature must be 
sent through it, so that it can be tied in two equal halves. Oc- 
casionally this kind of wart is pendulous — has a contracted neck 
at its base. This may be encircled by a single ligature, and, in 
the course of thirty-six hours, will fall oif. The third kind of 
wart is a sort of fungous excrescence — not horny or hard, like 
the two former, but possessing great vascularity, and, when 
rubbed or bruised, they often bleed profusely. I lately removed 
one from the inferior jaw of an ox, which bled very profusely 
after the removal, and did not cease until a hemostatic had been 
repeatedly applied. The hemostatic was powdered matico leaves, 
which coagulated the albumen of the blood. There is great dan- 
ger in removing warts of this kind. The following case, occurring 
in the practice of Surgeon Cartwright, will illustrate the prop- 
osition : 

"On the 1st of June, 1846, I removed several warts from the 
linea alba of a year-old heifer, belonging to Samuel Worthington, 
Esq. I cast her, and cut them off with the knife, and did not 
apply any thing to the wounds, as they did not bleed an ounce. 
I could see one or two large blood-vessels on the surface of the 
wounds. We loosed her from the hobbles, and then tied her up, 
and the wounds soon left off bleeding. Gave her an aperient, 
and left her for the night. 

The next morning she was found down, and could scarcely get 
up from loss of blood, which continued to issue through a large 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 625 

band that was passed round her. I was immediately sent for, 
but was gone to Liverpool. They, in consequence, applied to a 
druggist, who sent some alum-water, which stopped the blood. 
In a day or two I saw her, but, as a scab was then forming on the 
wounds, I did not meddle with it; soon afterward the parts were 
cicatrized. 

. There is no doubt but that, after she was left, she commenced 
licking the wounds, and so brought on the secondary hemorrhage. 
The person who looked after her believes that, had not something 
been done at the time, she would have bled to death. From this 
and other cases that I have seen, I think it absolutely necessary 
that we should guard against the animals licking themselves, and 
perhaps it would be quite as well to apply the cautery to the 
parts, after removing the warts, or subsequently." 

When a large surface is occupied by warts which do not possess 
any definite necks, they must be cut off close to the skin, and the 
surfaces thus exposed should be touched with strong pyroligneous 
acid, and then sprinkled with powdered bloodroot. 

Warts on the teats are to be removed by ligaturing them at 
their base, by means of saddler's silk, or horsehair. If securely 
tied, so as to obstruct circulation, they drop off in the course of 
thirty-six hours. Any sores which may occur in consequence of 
the removal of warts, can be healed by covering them once or 
twice daily with a small quantity of glycerine. 

Gadflies. 

The gadfly is known to naturalists as the oestris bovis. It punc- 
tures the integument of cattle, and then deposits its ova, or eggs. 
In this situation the ova mature, until they are capable of enjoy- 
ing an independent existence. They then make their exit through 
the external outlet, fall to and burrow into the ground, and remain 
there until the period of their metamorphosis takes place, when 
they assume the form of winged insects. In this form they mul- 
tiply the species by the deposit of their ova. They probably occa- 
sion much irritation ; and, in view of getting rid of them, -I usually 
puncture the tumor, by means of a thumb-lancet, and squeeze out 
the parasite. 

The following paragraph is from the pen of Guntheb. ; and I 
urge the reader, if he be the owner of live stock, to give them an 
40 



626 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

occasional dose of sulphur ; for I contend that no living creature 
can ever be infested with parasites when its system is saturated 
with sulphur : 

" The gadfly not only persecutes healthy oxen, by its bites, dur- 
ing summer, but also deposits its eggs in their skin, which give 
rise to tumors on the back and other parts, in which the larvae 
become developed. They live there on the succulent fluid which 
the soft parts secrete, and make their escape thence in the follow- 
ing spring, in order to become metamorphosed. The greater the 
number of tumors, the more is the strength of the animal dimin- 
ished by the pain and suppuration. For this reason we should 
endeavor to free the animal, as soon as possible, from these larvse 
pests, by frequently washing these tumors with camphorated brandy 
or forcibly compressing them, which either crushes the insect or 
forces it to make its exit. When they have attained the size of a 
filbert, an incision must be made into the part, which is then to be 
covered with a pitch plaster. A few doses of sulphur are to be 
given internally. We are told that those oxen which have taken 
sulphur for a long period of time are not infested by gadflies." 

Yoke Galls. 

The exciting cause is local irritation occasioned by the yoke. 
Treatment. — So soon as an abrasion is discovered on the neck, 
the animal should be excused from duty for a few days. The 
abraded part should be lubricated two or three times daily, with 
a small quantity of glycerine. In most cases, however, a few ap- 
plications of tincture of aloes and myrrh will produce a healthy 
action, and thus restore the parts to soundness. Should there be 
no abrasion, yet some tumefaction, heat, and tenderness, a cold- 
water bandage, renewed as occasion seems to require, will, in most 
cases, have the desired effect. Occasionally the integuments are so 
bruised as to induce induration (hardening). Local induration in 
$the neck is a'morbid condition of parts, known to the farriers of 
old as " sit-fast." The treatment consists in smearing the part 
with a portion of the following : 

No. 118. Iodine \ dr. 

Simple ointment 7 dr. 

Powdered bloodroot 1 dr. 

Mix. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 627 

A few applications of a portion of the above will have the effect 
of removing the sit-fast, or eschar, when a healthy granulating 
surface will appear. 

Some animals, owing to a peculiarity of constitution, will 
"chafe," as the saying is, in those parts which come in contact 
with the yoke, and no human foresight or mechanical contrivance 
can prevent it ; therefore, in view of protecting the parts against 
the local irritation and its consequences, I recommend the follow- 
ing liquid cuticle: 

No. 119. Collodion, ) ^ , , 

Castor oil j Equal parts. 

After washing the abrasion with soap and water, wipe dry, and 
smear it all over with a portion of the above invaluable liquid 
cuticle. 



The Haik of Cattle is an Epidekmic Appendage. 

According to Cabpentek, hair is an epidermic appendage, al- 
though not developed upon the external surface, but in the interior 
of a follicle (sac or fold) formed by a depression of the true skin. 
This follicle is lined by a continuation of the epidermis (scarfskin), 
the cells of which are developed in peculiar abundance from a spot 
at its deepest portion, the dense exterior of the cluster thus formed 
being known as the " bulb of the hair," while the softer interior 
is termed its pulp. Although the hairs of different animals vary 
in the appearances they present, we may generally distinguish two 
elementary principles corresponding with those which we meet 
with in the stem of a feather ; namely, a cortical resembling bark, 
and a medullary resembling marrow. The fullest development 
of both substances is seen in the spine hairs of the hedgehog, and 
in the quills of the porcupine, which are but hairs on a magnified 
scale. The cortical envelope of hairs is a continuation of the outer 
scales or layers of the epidermis that lines the follicles, while the 
medullary is derived from the deeper stratum, whose cells are pro- 
duced in usual abundance at its coecal (blind) extremity ; and it is 
by the constant development of new cells at this point that the 
continual growth of the hair is kept up. 



628 dadd's veterinary medicine and surgery. 

Pemphigus, or Vesicular Eruption. 

In the United States, (at least in the East,) pemphigus is of rare 
occurrence, yet it has made its appearance in Texas and in the 
Western States. The following symptoms, which usually accom- 
pany this eruptive affection, may enable the reader to recognize it. 

Symptoms. — The breathing is generally hurried and sonorous, 
accompanied by a slight cough ; the animal shivers, which is oc- 
casioned by deranged and irregular nervous action ; the integument 
in the regions of the neck, shoulders, anus, loins, and haunches is 
elevated by effusion into the cellular tissue ; the cuticle, or external 
tunic of the body, is the seat of watery bladders, varying in size 
from a Beverly bean to a walnut ; in other parts of the skin a 
serous or watery fluid may be observed to dribble from the hair. 
The ears are drooping and moist, and their temperature is much 
elevated ; the base of the horns are hot, and the whole external 
surface of the body is in the same condition ; the visible surfaces — 
namely, those of the eyes, mouth, and nose — are highly injected 
with a reddened yellow tinge ; the tongue is swollen or tumefied, 
and an abundance of saliva flows from the mouth ; the pulse will 
often run up to 80, yet may be imperceptible at the jaw; the 
spinal column presents a convexity, or is arched upward ; the 
urine is scanty and dark-colored, and the feces are of a lighter color 
than usual, showing very conclusively that the function of the 
liver is impaired. As the disease advances, the serous tumors 
burst, exposing broad excoriated patches. 

Treatment. — Let a portion of the following mixture be applied 
to the surface of the body, morning and evening : 

No. 120. Glycerine 2 oz. 

Hyposulphite of soda 2 oz. 

Rain-water 1 pint. 

Mix well together. After this lotion has been applied a few 
times, a decided improvement in the skin will be apparent. 

A few daily doses of the following medicine must also be given : 

No. 121. Fluid extract of poke-root 3 dr 

Chlorate of potass 4 dr. 

Water -| pint. 

A few years ago a vesicular epizootic broke out among cattle 
and milch cows at Stratford-on-Avon, England, the symptoms of 
which are thus described by J. Tombs, V. S. : 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 629 

" The symptoms were, increased pulsation ; copious discharge of 
saliva from the mouth; respiration, disturbed. These symptoms 
continued for two or three days, when a tremendous inflammation 
of the integuments and cellular tissues set in, around the coronets 
at the heels and between the hoofs, causing exceeding lameness 
and excruciating pain. The swelling quickly extended to the fet- 
locks. The poor beasts lay down the greater portion of their 
time — panted and perspired profusely, with occasional deep groan- 
ing. At this stage of the disease the mouth improved. When 
made to get up, they could hardly walk, and soon lay down again. 
The beating of the heart could be distinctly heard several yards 
off. In some, all four feet were affected ; in others, the fore-feet ; 
others, the hind feet, and in some one fore-foot. Suppuration took 
place in the integumentary and cellular membranes, five or six 
days subsequently to the original attack, which process afforded 
great relief. In the interim they became emaciated, and lost their 
milk. In a day or two after, extensive sloughing supervened of 
the integuments of the coronets and heels, and between the hoofs, 
leaving the pedal and coronary bones bare, with deep sinuses. 
The putrid parts, while sloughing, emitted an unbearable stench. 
Granulations of new flesh soon formed, which became prominent 
and luxuriant, forcing the hoofs wide apart. At this period of the 
complaint the urgent and painful symptoms considerably lessened ; 
the animals could then hobble out of the yard into a grass-field 
close by, where they were prior to the attack. The milk, flesh, 
and strength began to return, and the lameness slowly diminished, 
as the thickening of the integuments and cellular membrane be- 
came absorbed. New hoofs formed, which in some grew irregu- 
larly, and caused great tenderness for some length of time." 

Cracks in the Heels of Cattle. 

Cracked heels are generally more prevalent in the horse than 
cow ; yet as I have had an opportunity of seeing and prescribing 
for a few cases of this character, I shall give the reader the benefit 
of my experience, so that, when cases of this character do occur, 
the farmer may know what to do. Some persons suppose that un- 
cleanliness is the sole cause of cracks. This is not the case ; the 
subjects are predisposed to a humory condition and congestion of 
the feet. 



630 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Treatment. — The part must first be sponged, or, rather, washed, 
with tepid water, slightly alkalized with a small quantity of car- 
bonate of soda. I prefer soda instead of soap. The latter is apt 
to irritate the parts; and there exists no dirt nor morbid matter 
which can hot be removed by an alkaline wash. After cleansing 
the parts, apply a portion of the following : 

No. 122. Pyroligneous acid 2 oz. 

Kerosene 1 oz. 

Olive oil 3 oz. 

Mix. 

Apply by means of a piece of sponge. The parts should be 
dressed once per day, and oftener if necessary. The edges of the 
crack sometimes become inverted. In this case procure a small 
piece of linen, form it into a pad, and, after smearing its surface 
with a portion of the above preparation, apply it so as to press the 
lips of the gap together, and then bind it on. 

If the disease be constitutional, which may be inferred from the 
fact that the animal is said to be " subject to it " in the winter, 
then a few doses of alterative medicine may be given. The fol- 
lowing forms a very excellent stimulating alterative : 

No. 123. Iodide of potassium \ oz." 

Water 1 quart. 

Tincture of sassafras 4 oz. 

Mix. 

Give a wine-glassful every morning, before feeding-time. 




SECTION XXVIII. 

VARIOUS OPERATIONS AND DISEASES. 

Castration — Enzootic Milk Sickness, or Trembles — Improved Method of 
Milking — Diseased Thymus Gland— Cords in Young Calves — Steamed and 
Cooked Food for Stock — Cheap Fodder for Cows — Black Tongue — Frac- 
tured Bones — Fractured Radius of a Calf — Light in Barns — Diarrhea 
in Calves — Sprains or Strains — Spaying Cows. 

Castration. 

IL"ABOR under an impression that the husbandmen of this 
country commit some awful mistakes in the theory and prac- 
tice of castration. The usual practice is to castrate the calf from 
one to three months after birth. This is evidently done to the 
manifest injury of form, size, and muscular development. The 
operation may tend toward fattening the animal, and improving 
the epicurean quality of its meat ; and it may render the animal 
docile, and thus increase his usefulness ; but his strength, stamina, 
and endurance are compromised by early castration. If animals 
are needed as working oxen, they should not be castrated until 
they have attained the age of three or four years. At these peri- 
ods the muscles of the neck and chest have undergone remarkable 
developments, and the animals have strength and endurance to 
make really valuable oxen for work ; whereas, if castrated at too 
early a period, the muscles of the forward parts are always defect- 
ive, lank, and lean. I am aware that there are difficulties in the 
way of keeping bulls up to the age here indicated ; yet the experi- 
ment has been tried, in this country and elsewhere, to the entire 
satisfaction of the parties that made the experiments ; therefore, I 
recommend farmers not to castrate calves intended for work-oxen 
until their muscular system is well developed ; and even in view 
of obtaining good beef, and developing the propensity to fatten, 

(631) 



632 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

I should let the calves remain uncastratecl for six months or more. 
It has been urged, by some writers, that the danger of castration 
is less in young than adult animals. This may be correct, yet I 
apprehend but little danger in castrating either a horse or bull at 
any age, provided the creature is in the enjoyment of health, and 
the operation be properly performed. 

In many parts of France the bull-calf is castrated by means of 
a curious species of torsion, termed bistournage. The animal is 
thrown and secured. The operator places himself behind the ani- 
mal, and opposite to the tail ; he seizes the testicles with both his 
hands, and pushes them violently upward and downward several 
times, in order to destroy their adhesion to their coverings. He 
continues this manipulation until he thinks that he has produced 
sufficient lengthening of the cords, and dilatation of the bag itself. 
He then pushes up the left testicle as nearly as possible to the 
ring, leaving the right one low in the bag; he seizes the cord 
of the right testicle between the finger and thumb of the left 
hand, about an inch above the testicle, and, grasping the bottom 
of the scrotum with his right hand, he turns the testicle, and 
pushes it forcibly upward, until he has reversed it, and its inferior 
extremity is uppermost. Some little practice is required in order 
readily to effect this. Then, the right hand holding the testicle 
while the left hand raises the cord, the testicle is turned round 
from right to left four or five or six times, until there is a degree 
of tension and difficulty in the turning, which indicates that the 
spermatic vessels are so far compressed or obliterated as to be 
deprived of the power of secreting or conveying the seminal fluid. 
The testicle is by this means brought up nearly to the abdominal 
ring, where it is retained by turning the scrotum over it, while 
the left testicle is brought down, reversed, and turned in the same 
manner. Last of all, in order to prevent the untwisting of the 
cords and the descent of the testicles, the operator grasps the bot- 
tom of the scrotum in his left hand, and, holding one end of a 
piece of cord, eighteen inches in length, and about as large as a 
•quill, between his teeth, and having the other end in his right 
hand, he makes with it several turns round the scrotum with con- 
siderable firmness below and close to the testicles, yet not so tightly 
as quite to stop the circulation of blood through the bag. This is 
taken away at the end of the second day, after which the testicles 
will remain fixed against the abdomen, and will gradually wither 



VARIOUS OPERATIONS AND DISEASES. 633 

away. The animal is usually bled after the operation, and half 
of its allowance of food taken away. 

I lately castrated two horses, at the respective ages of twelve 
and seventeen years, and they have both done well; yet, if they 
had been " prepared," as the books recommend, I might have lost 
both animals ; and I verily believe that the once popular method 
of physicking (prostrating) animals before castration has been the 
cause of many unnecessary deaths. 

In castrating bullocks, I apply a ligature around the whole 
cord, for it is not always safe to merely ligature the spermatic 
artery, as the reader will perceive by reading the following para- 
graph : 

Herring has observed that, after tying the spermatic artery, 
without difficulty, in two places, and cutting between them, the 
spermatic cord being then cut across two inches below, arterial 
hemorrhage sometimes ensued. It is easy to account for blood 
flowing through the spermatic veins, after this operation, by a 
retrograde circulation in the wide vessels; but, as regards the 
arterial hemorrhage, Herring was in doubt, until, after several 
injections of the spermatic cord, he found that the spermatic ar- 
tery often divides into two nearly equal branches ; if but one be 
tied, on removing the testicles, the other division bleeds. Her- 
ring afterward injected several testicles and spermatic cords of 
bulls, and found an extraordinarily rich net-work of veins, which 
differs in many points' from the pampiniform plexus of the sper- 
matic cord in man, horse, dog, etc. In the spermatic cord of the 
horse, we observe the artery making a large number of curves on 
itself until it reaches the testicle ; and from the latter organ arise 
numerous veins, which coil upward, but now join in several 
branches which pass up with the artery, anastomosing at inter- 
vals, and forming a net-work, the meshes of which are in the 
shape of parallelograms. In the bull, on the contrary, the veins 
are exceedingly numerous, and spin round the artery like the ten- 
drils of a climbing plant round a wire ; and this is seen high up 
in the abdomen, so that, in successful injections, the spermatic ar- 
tery is completely hidden. 

Some persons may object to the plan of applying a ligature 
around the whole cord, and Youatt speaks of it as a cruel op- 
eration. I can not conceive how there can be any more cruelty 
in it than when the " clams " are used. The pressure on the cord 



634 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

is the bame ; and all the difference is, I use saddler's silk instead 
of wooden clams. I have castrated a great number of animals, 
at all ages, by means of a ligature around the cord, and have never 
met with loss or accident. 

Method of Castration. — There is very little danger in castrating 
a young calf, and it is very rare that a surgeon is ever called upon 
to perform the operation ; yet I would advise persons who are in 
the habit of castrating these young animals to make free openings 
into the scrotum and inner covering of the testicles. This inner 
covering is called tunica vaginalis. If too small an opening be 
made, the swollen cord will be imprisoned by the divided edges 
of the tunica vaginalis, which will untimately end in hardening 
or scirrhosity of the end of the cord, or else there will be scrotal 
abscess. A large opening into the scrotum and tunic is necessary, 
in order to postpone union of the external parts, until the tissues 
above and within have healed. 

When castrating bullocks, I either secure them in the trevis 
and partly etherize them, or else cast them with the hobbles (see 
cut of instruments), and render them completely insensible by 
ether. I then grasp the scrotum, between the belly and testicle, 
and make an incision on one side and at the lower part of the 
scrotum sufficiently large to allow the testicle to escape. The 
testicle then hangs by the cord. A ligature is then passed around 
the latter, which must be tied tight enough to compress the blood- 
vessels and prevent after-bleeding. The cord is then divided, and 
one end of the string may be cut very close to the knot, so that a 
slight pull will untie it. The other testicle is to be proceeded with 
in the same manner, and the operation is complete. It is proper, 
however, to return the cord within the inner tunic, or covering of 
the testicle, and one end of the ligature is left long enough to hang 
out of the wound. In the course of a week, if the ligatures do 
not come away, a slight pull will detach them. 

I never make use of any dressing, except when a bad odor arises 
from the parts. The best remedy, under such circumstances, is 
diluted pyroligneous acid, in the following proportions : 

No. 124. Pyroligneous acid 3 oz. 

Water 15 oz. 

Mix. 

Let the parts be well cleansed, night and morning, with a por 
tion of the above. Should any undue amount of swelling ensue, 



VARIOUS OPERATIONS AND DISEASES. 635 

the parts are to be rubbed occasionally with an ounce or two of 
sweet spirits of niter. 

I find that exercise operates favorably in preventing scrotal 
swelling, which is a condition of the parts known to surgeons as 
local effusion (dropsy) ; and, as exercise at pasture always tends to 
reduce these kinds of swellings, I generally, if the weather per- 
mits, place the castrated animal under the care of " Doctor Green, '"' 
(a good pasture,) where the patient can vitalize its blood with pure 
air, promote the integrity of the whole system by voluntary exer- 
cise of the muscles, and partake of herbage calculated to benefit the 
whole animal economy. 

Enzootic Milk Sickness, or Trembles. 

The cause or origin of enzootic milk sickness (commonly de- 
nominated " trembles ") is a subject of much speculation. Various 
are the opinions and conclusions of medical and non-medical men. 
It has been asserted that a creeping vine, known to luxuriate in 
forest regions, Occasions the disease. The theory is that this vine, 
or vegetable parasite, is matured in the latter months of summer, 
or the first autumnal, at which season of the year the grass becomes 
dry and tough, when the cattle resort to the timbered land for 
sustenance, feeding upon the (supposed) vine ; and as the animal 
is (without satisfactory evidence) susceptible to its (imaginary) 
influence, it often sickens and dies; yet, strange to relate, many 
animals located in the same regions escape the pest. And, in 
order to sustain this faulty theory, we are informed that the lucky 
creatures who live and die at a respectable bovine age know 
enough to give the poisonous plant the go-by. This is nothing 
more than mere speculation, for the disease very frequently occurs 
when the ground is covered with snow. 

Dr. Graff informs us that the general appearance of the in- 
fected districts is somewhat peculiar. "The quality of the soil 
is, in general, of an inferior description. The growth of timber 
is not observed to be so luxuriant as in situations otherwise simi- 
lar, but is scrubby, and stunted in its perfect development, in 
many instances, simulating what, in the West, is denominated 
' barrens.' " 

Now, it is possible that these barrens do not furnish a sufficient 
amount of carbon, in the form of food, for the metamornhoses of 



636 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

the tissues ; and if we take into consideration that the animal re- 
ceives, during the day, while in search of this food, a large supply 
of oxygen, and at the same time the waste of the body is increased 
by the extra labor required to select sufficient nutriment — it being 
scanty in such situations — then it follows that this disproportion 
between the quantity of carbon in the food and that of oxygen 
absorbed by the skin and lungs must induce a diseased or abnor- 
mal condition. The animal is sometimes fat, at others lean. Some 
of the cows attacked with this disease were fat, and in apparent 
health, and nothing peculiar was observed until immediately pre- 
ceding the outbreak of the fatal symptoms. The presence of fat 
is generally proof positive of an abnormal state ; and, in such 
cases, the liver or spleen is often diseased. The blood then becomes 
loaded with fat and oil, and is finally deposited in the cellular tis- 
sues. The reader will now understand how an animal accumulates 
fat, notwithstanding it be furnished with insufficient diet. All 
that I wish to contend for is, that in such cases vital resistance is 
compromised. We are told that, in the situation alluded to, veg- 
etation was stunted, etc. ; and knowing that vegetables are com- 
posed of nearly the same materials which constitute animal organ- 
ization — the carbon or fat of the former being deposited in the 
seeds and fruits, and that of the latter in the cellular structure — 
then we can arrive at but one conclusion ; namely, that any loca- 
tion unfavorable to vegetation is likewise ill-adapted to preserve 
the integrity of animal life. 

In connection with this, it must be remembered that, during the 
night, the soil emits excrementitious vapors, which are taken into 
the animal system by the process of respiration. In the act of 
rumination, vapor is also inclosed in the globules of saliva, and 
thus reaches the stomach. Many plants which, during the day, 
may be eaten with impunity by cattle, actually become poisonous 
during the night ! This, I am aware, will meet with some oppo- 
sition, to combat which I quote from Liebig : 

"How powerful, indeed, must the resistance appear which the 
vital force supplies to leaves charged with oil of turpentine or 
tannic acid, when we consider the affinity of oxygen for these 
compounds ! This intensity of action, or of resistance, the plant 
obtains by means of the sun's light, the effect of which, in chem- 
ical actions, may be, and is, compared to that of a very high tem- 
perature (moderate red heat). During the night an opposite 



VARIOUS OPERATIONS AND DISEASES. 637 

process goes on in the plant. We see, then, that the constituents 
of the leaves and green parts combine with the oxygen of the 
air — a property which in daylight they did not possess. From 
these facts we can draw no other conclusion but this: that the 
intensity of the vital force diminishes with the abstraction of 
light ; that with the approach of night a state of equilibrium is 
established, and that in complete darkness all those constituents 
of plants which, during the day, possessed the power of sepa- 
rating oxygen from chemical combinations, and of resisting its 
action, lose their power completely. 

A precisely similar phenomenon is observed in animals. The 
living animal body exhibits its peculiar manifestations of vitality 
only at certain temperatures. When exposed to a certain degree 
of cold, these vital phenomena entirely cease. The abstraction of 
heat must, therefore, be viewed as quite equivalent to a dimi- 
nution of the vital energy. The resistance opposed by the vital 
force to external causes of disturbance must diminish, in certain 
temperatures, in the same ratio in which the tendency of the ele- 
ments of the body to combine with the oxygen of the air increases. 

It is obvious that the cause of the generation of force — namely, 
the change of matter — is diminished, because, with the abstraction 
of heat, as in the plant by abstraction of light, the intensity of the 
vital force diminishes. It is also obvious that the momentum of 
force in a living part depends on its proper temperature, exactly 
as the effect of a falling body stands in a fixed relation to certain 
other conditions; for example, to the velocity attained in falling. 
When the temperature sinks, the vital energy diminishes; when 
it again rises, the momentum of force in the living parts appears 
once more in all its original intensity. The production of force 
for mechanical purposes, and the temperature of the body, must, 
consequently, bear a fixed relation to the amount of oxygen which 
can be absorbed in a given time by the animal body. 

The quantities of oxygen which a whale and a carrier's horse 
can inspire in a given time are very unequal. The temperature 
as well as the quantity of oxygen is much greater in the horse. 
The force exerted by a whale, when struck with the harpoon, his 
body being supported by the surrounding medium, and the force 
exerted by a carrier's horse, which carries its own weight and a 
heavy burden for eight or ten hours, must both bear the same 
ratio to the oxygen consumed. If we take into consideration the 



638 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

time during which the force is manifested, it is obvious that the 
amount of force developed by the horse is far greater than in the 
case of the whale. 

In climbing high mountains, where, in consequence of the res- 
piration of a highly rarefied atmosphere, much less oxygen is con- 
veyed to the blood, in equal times, than in valleys or at the level 
of the sea, the change of matter diminishes in the same ratio, and 
with it the amount of force available for mechanical purposes. 
For the most part, drowsiness and want of force for mechanical 
exertions come on ; after twenty or thirty steps, fatigue compels us 
to a fresh accumulation of force by means of rest (absorption of 
oxygen without waste of force in voluntary motions.)" 

In the situations alluded to we generally find poisonous and 
noxious plants, with an abundance of decayed vegetable matter. 
An English writer has said : " The farmers of England might 
advantageously employ a million, at least, of additional laborers 
in clearing their wild domains of noxious plants,* which would 
amply repay them in the superior quality of their produce. They 
would then feel the truth of that axiom in philosophy, ' that he 
who can contrive to make two blades of grass, or wholesome grain, 
grow where one poisonous plant grew before, is a greater bene- 
factor to the human race than all the conquerors or heroes who 
have ever lived.' " 

The noxious plants found in such abundance in the Western 
States are among the principal causes, either directly or indirectly, 
of the great mortality among men, horses, cattle, and sheep. The 
hay would be just as destructive as when in its green state, were it 
not' that, in the process of drying, the volatile and poisonous prop- 
erties of the buttercup, dandelion, poppy, and hundreds of similar 
destructive plants found in the hay, evaporate. It is evident that 

*The American farmers are just beginning to wake up on this subject, and 
before long I hope to see our pasture lands free from all poisonous plants. Dr. 
Whitlaw says: "A friend of mine had two fields cleared of buttercups, dande- 
lion, ox-eye, daisy, sorrel, hawk-weed, thistles, mullein, and a variety of other 
poisonous or noxious plants. They were dried, burnt, and their ashes strewed 
over the fields. He had them sown as usual, and found that the crops of hay 
and pasturage were more than double what they had been before. I was fur- 
nished with butter for two summers, during the months of July and August. 
The butter kept for thirty days, and proved, at the end of that time, better than 
that fresh churned and brought to the Brighton or Margate markets. It would 
bear salting at that season of the year." 



VARIOUS OPERATIONS AND DISEASES. 639 

if animals have partaken of such plants, although death in all cases 
do not immediately follow, there must be a deficiency of vital resist- 
ance, or loss of equilibrium, and the animal is in a negative state. 
It is, consequently, obvious that when in such a state it is more 
liable to receive impressions from external agents ; in short, is more 
subject to disease, and this disease may assume a definite form, reg- 
ulated by location. It has been observed, also, that in the infected 
districts the water is not of the best kind, neither is it very abund- 
ant; hence, in consequence of its insufficiency or unwholesome 
character, the equilibrium of health may become disturbed. 

A loss of vital resistance may also be the result of exposure. 
It has been observed that cattle which have been housed regularly 
have escaped the attacks of this malady, and that, when suffered 
to run at large, they were frequently seized with it. Therefore we 
may conclude that the indirect causes of milk sickness, or trem- 
bles, are any thing that disturbs the general health. 

Now, let us suppose that one or a combination of the preceding 
causes has operated so as to produce an abnormal state in the 
system of a cow. She is then suffered to remain in the unhealthy 
district during the night. While there, exposed to the emanations 
from the soil, she requires the whole force of her vital energies to 
ward off chemical decompositions, and prevent encroachment on 
the various functions. A contest commences between the vital 
force and chemical action, and, after a hard conflict, in their in- 
cessant endeavors to overcome each other, the chemical agency 
obtains the ascendency, and disease of a putrid type (milk fever) 
is the result. The disease may not immediately be recognized, 
for the process of decomposition may be insidious ; yet the milk 
and flesh of such an animal may communicate the disease to man 
and other animals. It is well known that almost any part of ani- 
mal bodies in a state of putrefaction, such as milk, cheese, muscle, 
pus, etc., communicate their own state of decomposition to other 
bodies. Many eminent medical men have lost their lives while 
dissecting, simply by putrefactive matter coming in contact with 
a slight wound or puncture. Dr. Graff made numerous experi- 
ments on dogs, with the flesh, etc., of animals which died of milk 
sickness. He says: "My trials with the poisoned flesh were, 
for the most part, made on dogs, which I confined; and I often 
watched the effect of the poison when administered at regular in- 
tervals. In the space of forty-eight hours from the commence- 



640 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

ment of the administration of either the butter, cheese, or flesh, I 
have observed unequivocal appearances of their peculiar action, 
while the appetite remains unimpaired until the expiration of the 
fourth or fifth day." From the foregoing remarks, the reader 
will agree with me that the disease is of a putrid type, and has a 
definite character. What is the reason of this definite character? 
All diseases are under the control of the immutable laws of Na- 
ture. They preserve their identity in the same manner that races 
of men preserve theirs. Milk sickness of the malignant type 
luxuriates in* the locations referred to, for the same reasons that 
yellow fever is peculiar to warm climates and consumptions to 
cold ones, and that different localities have distinct diseases; for 
example, ship fever, jail fever, etc. 

Before disease can attack and develop itself in the bodies of 
men or animals, the existing equilibrium of the vital powers must 
be disturbed ; and the most common causes of this disturbance I 
have already alluded to. In reference to the' milk, butter, cheese, 
etc., of infected animals, and their adaptation to develop disease 
in man, and in other locations than those referred to, I observe 
that when a quantity, however small, of contagious matter is in- 
troduced into the stomach, if its antiseptic properties are the least 
deranged, the original disease (milk sickness) is produced, just as 
a small quantity of yeast will ferment a whole loaf. The trans- 
formation takes place through the medium of the blood, and 
produces a body identical with, or similar to, the exciting or con- 
tagious matter. The quantity of the latter must constantly aug- 
ment ; for the state of change or decomposition which affects one 
particle of the blood is imparted to others. The time necessary 
to accomplish it, however, depends on the amount of vital resist- 
ance, and, of course, varies in different animals. In process of 
time the whole body becomes affected, and, in like manner, it is 
communicated to other individuals; and this may take place by 
simply respiring the carbonic acid gas or morbific materials from 
the lungs of diseased animals in the infected districts. 

My principal object is to show what are the causes of this 
malady, so that the farmer can prevent its occurrence, for the 
treatment is very unsatisfactory. A writer in the " Atlanta Med- 
ical Journal " informs us : 

" Where stock cattle, for instance, are kept pent up until after 
the morning's dew, they are never affected, though they are pas- 



VARIOUS OPERATIONS AND DISEASES. 641 

tured where it is known to abound. Again : if food, in the form 
of bundles of*liay, or fodder, or sheaves of oats, has been cast on 
the surface of the earth where it was suspected to exist, fed to 
calves or a calf, during the morning, while wet with dew, the 
result is the death of the animal. Facts like these are, to my 
mind, evidence conclusive of its origin in the form of vapor. But 
let it originate from whence it may, it is only known in timbered 
land, and there disappears, after being once cleared, cultivated, 
and seeded with tame grass, which shows, again, if of a telluric 
source, that the toxical agent lies near the surface, and is de- 
stroyed by being shifted from its lurking-place." 

Symptoms. — The principal symptoms are irregular, nervous ac- 
tion; trembling, tremors, spasms, and, lastly, convulsions. The 
other symptoms are such as are noticed in affections of a low 
typhoid type. The pulse is quickened, yet small; the tongue 
slightly swollen, and coated with a brown fur ; the urine is high- 
colored, and the bowels are constipated; the membranes of the 
eyes are reddened, and the breath has a bad odor. 

Treatment. — If the bowels are constipated, I should give an 
aperient, composed 01 

No. 125. Glauber salts 10 oz. 

Powdered ginger 1 dr." 

Grolden seal • 1 dr. 

Tepid water .....«, 1 quart. 

Then let the whole length of the spine be well rubbed with two 
two or three ounces of oil of cedar. Should the breath or excre- 
ments have a very bad odor, the following must be given : 

No. 126. Pyroligneous acid 2 oz. 

Glycerine 4 oz. 

Water 1 quart. 

Mix. 

Dose, a wine-glassful three or four times daily, until an improve- 
ment takes place. 

To relieve the nervous irritation and trembling, I give two 
drachms of tincture of Indian hemp, in a little water, twice daily. 
The patient is to be kept on oatmeal gruel, the quantity to be 
regulated according to actual necessity. A curable case will be 
very likely to improve under the above treatment ; if it fail, the 
owner will have the satisfaction of knowing that the patient was 
not destroyed by meddlesome medication. 
41 



642 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Improved Method of Milking^ 

The first process in the operation of milking is to make the 
cow's acquaintance, and give her to understand that the milker 
approaches her with none other than friendly intentions ; for if he 
swears, scolds, or kicks her, she is likely to prove refractory, and 
may, possibly, give the uncouth and unfeeling milker the benefit 
of her heels, which, in my opinion, he is justly entitled to. 

Before commencing to milk the animal she should be fed, or 
have some kind of fodder. In the enjoyment of the mastication 
of the same, her attention is withdrawn from the milker's opera- 
tions, and the milk is not " held up," as the saying is, but is yielded 
freely. The milker should not sit off at a distance, like a coward, 
but his left arm should be in close contact with the leg of the cow, 
so that she can not kick. If she make the attempt when the 
milker is in close proximity with the cow's body, the former merely 
gets a push instead of a blow. Before commencing to milk, the 
teats are to be washed with cold water in warm weather, and warm 
water in winter. The object is to remove accumulated dirt, which 
otherwise would fall into the milk-pail, to the disgust of persons 
who love pure milk and hate uncleanliness. Here is a chance for 
improvement. 

The best milker is a merciful man. The udder and teats are 
highly organized and very sensitive, and these facts should be taken 
into consideration, especially when milking a young animal, for 
the parts are sometimes excessively tender, and the hard tugging 
and squeezing which many poor sensitive creatures have to endure 
at the hands of some thoughtless, hard-fisted man, are really dis- 
tressing to witness. A better milker than even a merciful man is 
a woman. The principal part of the milking in private establish- 
ments in foreign countries, is done by women ; and in these United 
States there are thousands of capable women out of employment 
that might be advantageously employed, in private and dairy es- 
tablishments, as milkmaids. Therefore, in view of improvement 
in the art of milking, I advise farmers to learn their wives, daugh- 
ters, and female domestics how to strip the cows. An indolent 
person (slow coach) should never be suffered to touch a cow's teats. 
The process, to say the least of it, is painful ; therefore, the best 
milker is the one that can abstract the milk in the quickest time. 
Finally, milk the cow dry. The last of the milk is the most val- 



VARIOUS OPERATIONS AND DISEASES. 643 

uable, yet Mr. Hurry-up can not spare time to attend to this mat- 
ter ; consequently he loses the best of the strippings, and actually 
ruins the cow as a milker. 



Diseased Thymus Gland. 

The thymus gland, commonly known as the sweetbread, is 
usually found, after adult life, in the region of the thoracic duct, 
just within the anterior or front part of the chest ; yet the greatest 
activity and development of this gland is during foetal life. This 
is one of the glands which, according to Goodsir, is an involuted 
portion of the germinal membrane, acting as the first assimilating 
organ possessed by the fetus ; hence, as soon as the animal is bom, 
and the legitimate organs of digestion are called into operation, 
the thymus dwindles away, and, in some cases, almost disappears. 
Occasionally, however, it becomes enlarged, and has to be removed 
by a surgical operation. The following instructive case occurred 
in the practice of W. Lyon, V. S., and appeared in the " London 
Veterinarian :" 

" I beg to forward for your inspection a tumor, being the largest 
of two which were removed on the 15th instant from under the 
cervial vertebrae of a yearling quey, and which, although now con- 
siderably shrunk and dry, weighs forty-nine ounces, and measures 
twenty-three inches in its greatest circumference. It rested upon 
the oesophagus, trachea, blood-vessels, and sternal muscles, except- 
ing when the animal's head was depressed ; so much so, that had 
the same degree of pressure been made on the gullet, by a tumor 
existing elsewhere, as within the chest, permanent hove, etc., would 
have been produced. 

The operation consisted in an incision through the integuments 
of the off-side of the neck, over and parallel to the course of the 
vessels, which exposed part of the levator humeri ; the next incis- 
ion being made right through that muscle, in the direction of its 
fibers, which brought to view part of the great tumor, exposing 
also the sub-scapulo-hyoid muscle, which was considerably but 
favorably displaced by the pressure of the lesser tumor, which in- 
clined to the off-side. The remaining incisions were made, with 
care, through numerous ligamentous-like bands and cellular mem- 
brane, by which the tumor was attached to the inter-vertebral and 
other muscles. The lesser tumor, which was more superficial, was 



644 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

then removed in the same manner, after having been very useful 
in keeping the said sub-scalpulo-hyoid muscle out of the way. 
Both tumors seemed to be indifferently supplied with blood. Ex- 
cepting the cutaneous veins, which yielded less than an ounce of 
blood, there were no blood-vessels divided; hence no artery nor 
vein required to be taken up. A few interrupted stitches were 
put in, and as the quey had necessarily to stand during the opera- 
tion, there being only one man and a boy present at its commence- 
ment, orders were given to let go the under-jaw, when the animal 
immediately sprang over a four-foot wall. I have not seen her 
since, but have learned that she is doing well. 

I need make no remark on the origin, progress, structure, locality, 
and treatment of such tumors, such being already well-known to 
veterinary practitioners. Farmers, however, would do well (now 
that the disease is very common) to feed off cattle so affected or 
predisposed, when it is possible to do so, and not to breed from such 
stock, as it is generally difficult and sometimes impossible to re- 
move the tumors when once formed. It would also be for their 
interest to pay less attention to the direct treatment, by intrusting 
that in the hands of a practitioner, and to attend more to the neg- 
ative treatment, such as blood-letting, avoiding refrigerants, such 
as nitrate of potash, and all other medicines that tend to diminish 
the fibrine of the blood, particularly all mercurial preparations, 
and, in general, to avoid every thing formerly used in the treat- 
ment of scrofula in the human subject. But this they will not 
always attend to when any thing is wrong with any of their cattle. 
They must not merely get direct treatment, but, without due dis- 
crimination, they must share and share alike." 

Cords in Young Calves. 

A disease to which the above name is given occasionally appears 
among young calves. It is an inflammatory affection, and particu- 
larly manifests itself in contractions of the ' sinews (tendinous 
structures) ; hence the name, " cords." "White contends that 
calves are most liable to be affected by this disorder during the 
first days or weeks after they are dropped. If they outlive five or 
six weeks, they are seldom in any danger. Calves that suck their 
mothers are not so liable to the disease as those which are reared 
by hand. The greatest number of calves that fall a sacrifice to 



VARIOUS OPERATIONS AND DISEASES. 645 

this disease, if not the whole of them, are those which are closely- 
confined to the house from their birth, without ever being exposed 
to the free, open air. It is a well-known fact that calves which 
are dropped and remain in the fields are in little or no danger. 
Mr. Lawrence, in his " Treatise on Cattle," observes, that " a 
complaint called the cords has recently destroyed a number of 
young calves in Scotland, both such as have been calved abroad 
and under shelter. Those which are brought up by hand are most 
liable, and the most dangerous period is the first week or two after 
birth." 

Treatment. — As a preventive I should give the new-born calf 
(provided we have no discharge from the bowels) a wine-glassful 
of castor-oil ; yet if the mother yield milk, and the calf imme- 
diately after birth imbibes the same, there is no need of giving any 
medicine. The object in giving castor-oil is to purge off the me- 
conium — first excrement. The first flow of milk, however, will 
meet the emergency, and it is only in cases of suspended lacteal 
secretion, or in cases of acute garget, when the cow can not yield 
milk, that I recommend the castor-oil. Should the oil purge the 
calf too actively, twenty drops of the oil of anise-seed or pepper- 
mint, may be given in half a pint of flour gruel. Should the 
animal be dangerously attacked, and the contractions of the tendi- 
nous structures violent, let the little creature be placed in a warm 
bath for a few minutes ; then give him a good rubbing with coarse 
towels, after which he will probably do well. 

Steamed and Cooked Food for Stock. 

In view of fattening neat stock, and augmenting the quantity 
of milk in dairy cows, I recommend the use of steamed and cooked 
food. It has been satisfactorily proved that fat cattle of the best 
quality, may be produced by feeding them on boiled food. 

Dr. Whitlaw says : " On one occasion, a number of cows were 
selected from a large stock, for the express purpose of making the 
trial ; they were such as appeared to be of the best kind, and those 
that gave the richest milk. In order to ascertain what particular 
food would produce the best milk, different species of grass and 
clover were tried separately, and the quality and flavor of the 
butter were found to vary very much. But what was of the most 
importance, many of the grasses were found to be coated with 



646 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

silicia, or decomposed sand, too hard and insoluble for the stom- 
achs of cattle. In consequence of this the grass was cut and well 
steamed, and was found to be readily digested ; and the butter 
that was made from the milk much firmer, better flavored, and 
would keep longer without salt than any other kind. Another 
circumstance that attended the experiment was that, in all the 
various grasses and grains that were intended by our Creator as 
food for man or beast, the various oils that enter into their com- 
position were so powerfully assimilated or combined with the 
other properties of the farinaceous plants, that the oil partook of 
the character of essential oil, and was not so easily evaporated as 
that of poisonous vegetables ; and experience has proved that the 
same quantity of grass, steamed and given to the cattle, will pro- 
duce more butter than when given in its dry state. This fact being 
established from numerous experiments, then, there must be a 
great saving and superiority in this mode of feeding. The meat 
of such cattle is more wholesome, tender, and better flavored than 
when fed on the ordinary food. 

" A mixed diet (boiled) is supposed to be the most economical 
for fattening cattle. ' A Scotchman, who fattens one hundred and 
fifty head of Galloway cattle annually, finds it most profitable to 
feed with bruised flaxseed, boiled with meal or barley, oats or 
Indian corn, at the rate of one part flaxseed to three parts meal, 
by weight — the cooked compound to be afterward mixed with 
cut straw or hay. From four to twelve pounds of the compound 
are given to each beast per day.' The editor of the ' Albany Cul- 
tivator ' adds : ' Would it not be well for some of our farmers who 
stall-feed cattle to try this or a similar mode? We are by no 
means certain that the ordinary food (meaning, probably, bad hay 
and corn-stalks) would pay the expense of cooking ; but flaxseed 
is known to be highly nutritious, and the cooking would not only 
facilitate its digestion, but it would serve, by mixing, to render the 
other food palatable, and, by promoting the appetite and health 
of the animal, would be likely to hasten its thrift.' " 

An article on steamed food for stock lately appeared in the col- 
umns of the "Mark Lane Express." It does not sustain my 
theory exactly, yet the closing paragraph proves all I contend for 
at the commencement of this article. It is my opinion that, in 
order to test the real value of steamed over raw food, the experi- 
ments must be conducted with great care, and be continued for 



VARIOUS OPERATIONS AND DISEASES. • 647 

some time, during which it must not be expected that the animal 
will thrive in health and flesh, unless it have an occasional meal 
of its more natural food in its raw state. What I mean by the 
" real value " of steamed food, is its usefulness in the animal econ- 
omy, as a co-agent with the unsteamed articles of fodder; and, 
considerable discretion will be needed in making selections among 
articles of food, some of which might be improved, or, rather, 
rendered more acceptable to the palate and convenient for masti- 
cation, while others might be deteriorated by the same process. I 
select the following from the above source : 

"" As to steaming food for cattle, there is considerable difference 
of opinion among theoretical writers. Among practical men there 
is little difference of opinion, especially where experiments have 
been individually undertaken. The late Mr. Howden, of Law- 
head, East Lothian, undertook a series of experiments on feeding 
cattle with steamed food. Lots of cattle of similar age and breed- 
ing were selected and divided. Those cattle fed on turnips and 
potatoes, given raw, made rather greater progress than those fed 
on the prepared food, equal quantities being given. The differ- 
ence was slight ; still it was perceptible, the rate of progress being 
tested by girthing the animals, and the condition generally, by 
handling. The experiments were carried on for more than one 
season, with nearly the same result. A lot of young cattle, a year 
and a half old, fed on boiled beans, made very rapid progress, and 
left a profit beyond payment for their food consumed. They were 
cheap when purchased, and the value of beef was at the time rela- 
tively high with that of lean cattle. Of course, the straw was not 
prepared, either by steaming or cutting into chaff. Other exper- 
iments with steamed food have been, from time to time, undertaken 
in that county, and with nearly the same result. In every case 
that came under our observation, the preparing of food by steaming 
and boiling was, after a time, given up. In feeding dairy stock 
when in milk, steaming and boiling food is known to be profita- 
ble ; but the health of the animal sometimes suffers, compared 
with that of cows kept partly on raw and partly on prepared 
food." 



648 • dadd's veterinary medicine and surgery. 

Cheap Fodder for Cows. 

Straw contains much farinaceous aliment. The attention of 
agriculturists in France has recently been directed to the discov- 
ery of a method of converting straw into a kind of bran. The 
discovery has been claimed by two individuals. The first is a 
miller, near Dijon, who, it is said, on trying the mill-stone of a 
new mill, discovered the possibility of converting straw into a 
nourishing food ; the second, M. Joseph Maitre, of Villotte, near 
Chatillon. This distinguished agriculturist, known for the purity 
and perfection of his breeds of sheep, conceived the idea of con- 
verting into farina not only the straw of wheat and other grains, 
but of hay, trefoil, lucern, sanfoin, etc. His efforts have been 
perfectly successful, and his discovery arrived at, not by chance, 
but by long experiment and research. The aliment which he has 
produced is said to be a complete substitute for bran. It is given 
to sheep and lambs, who consume it with avidity, and may be 
given to all other graminivorous animals as a grateful and sub- 
stantial food. We know, in this country, that the mere chopping 
of straw adds greatly to its powers, by facilitating mastication 
and digestion. We may believe that a more perfect comminution 
of its parts will produce a corresponding effect, and extend very 
widely the uses of straw and other fodder as a means of feeding 
our domestic animals. This sort of aliment is very excellent, 
when combined with a sufficient amount of nutrimental matter, 
for animals whose systems lack the requisite amount of phos- 
phates and phosphoric acids. A milch cow, for example, whose 
lacteal vessels yield, in the form of milk, the above equivalents, 
may be benefited by an occasional feed of straw meal. 

Black Leg, or Anthrax. 

Various are the names given to an affection of the above kind. 
Some persons call it inflammatory fever, gangrene, etc. Then 
again it gets its name from the region in which it first appeared. 
So, if it first appears in the region of the thigh, it is called quarter 
ill, quarter evil, black quarter, joint murrain, etc. ; hence it ap- 
pears to have as many names as there are locations for it. 

The Nature of Black Leg. — Youatt, and other orthodox vet- 
erinary writers contend that this affection is a pure inflammatory 



VARIOUS OPERATIONS AND DISEASES. 649 

fever, yet, at the same time, they admit that cattle of all descrip- 
tions, ages, and conditions are subject to it. Now, I think it will 
be very difficult to prove that inflammatory fever can attain a 
very high grade in the system of an animal in poor condition. 
The very reverse is the case ; for disease of a low typhoid type, 
and those which are known to run a rapid course, are apt to 
pounce upon animals having but little vital resistance — being out 
of condition, as the saying is. 

In my opinion, this is an epizootic affection, and, like most epi- 
zootics, its pathology must necessarily be obscure. In applying 
the terms black leg, black quarter, etc., to this affection (epizootic 
or enzootic) leads us into error in supposing that it is merely a 
local affection, limited to a certain part, when, in fact, it is a gen- 
eral affection, showing itself in various parts of the economy at 
the same time. For example, in the early stage, when a limb or 
part is swollen and distended with gas, the various organs and 
functions of the body are more or less disturbed. Even in the 
early stage the respirations are short and quick ; pulse, accelerated 
(a mere fluttering action, scarcely perceptible) ; the coat stares ; 
rumination is suspended; the bowels are constipated, and the 
nervous system is affected; for the beast staggers, and soon be- 
comes comatose ; death frequently takes place in the course of from 
twelve to twenty-four hours. It will be perceived, therefore, that 
the local affection is not proportionate, in degree or extent, to the 
severity and magnitude of the general symptoms ; therefore it is 
a general disease. 

The autopsy clearly indicates the ravages which this epizootic 
or enzootic makes on the general economy. Youatt informs us 
that " the chief appearances after death will be venous congestion 
every-where. It affects both of the pleura, the whole substance 
of the lungs, brain, and peritoneum ; the intestines and stomach 
are also affected. Therefore what we perceive externally, in the 
form of tumors, emphysema, ulcers, sloughing, and mortification 
are only the symptoms of a general malady. Mr. Ernes informs 
us, through the pages of the " Veterinarian," that " black quar- 
ter" (which is the same as 'black leg') is neither more nor less 
than that dreadful malady of horses and cattle called by the French 
charbon. Anthrax would, perhaps, be the better appellation, see- 
ing its characters are a hard, circumscribed tumor, exceedingly 
painful, with tension and burning heat in the subcutaneous eel- 



650 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

lular tissue. This is often depressed in its center, and sometimes 
preceded by a small opening. 

According to authorities, "the tumor of black leg, though small 
at first, suddenly increases in size, sometimes to that of a child's 
head. Gangrene soon supervenes, beginning in the center and 
extending to the circumference, which rapidly converts the whole 
into an eschar of a black color, similar to a piece of charcoal ; 
hence its name — charbon. The eschar is sometimes several inches 
in diameter, and is almost always either preceded or accompanied 
by bladders, which form a sort of areola around it. There is also 
always an oedematous swelling, more or less considerable, owing 
to an emphysematous state, and an infiltration of serum or sero- 
gelatine into the cellular tissue, which crackles on pressure, caused 
by the presence of gases. The danger and rapidity of the disease 
are such that, when an animal is attacked, after a violent access 
of fever, it falls a sacrifice to it in a few hours, rarely exceeding 
twenty-four or thirty-six. All animals are subject to it, but the 
herbivorous more so than others. It is either epizootic or enzootic ; 
the first is the most destructive." 

I now consider the point settled regarding the nature of the 
disease ; namely, it is an epizootic or enzootic affection, and, of 
course, is subject to the same laws which govern diseases of this* 
type. This will explain the otherwise unaccountable variations 
which are observed in the symptoms of the affection when pre- 
vailing in different localities, and it also enables us to account for 
the great losses which Messrs. Shortfeed and Overfeed are con- 
tinually encountering. The fact is, all overfed animals may be 
ranked as gluttons, and all half-starved animals furnish a savory 
morsel for the great epizootic pathological glutton, which, like the 
epidemic one that, hovering around the city of New Orleans, a 
few years ago, destroyed several thousands of its inhabitants ere 
it touched a single sober citizen. When this disease ranges in a 
single locality, it is supposed to have a spontaneous origin. Then 
the term enzootic is applied to it; and if it prevail among the 
cattle of an extensive region, then it is called epizootic. 

Causes. — The causes of this affection are as obscure as those of 
cholera, influenza, potato rot, etc. They seem to appear inde- 
pendent of local causes, occur at uncertain intervals, prevail for 
indefinite periods, and run their course in a short space of time. 
It is supposed by some persons that a disease of this character and 



VARIOUS OPERATIONS AND DISEASES. 651 

nature is propagated by contagion or infection. How far it is 
engendered in these ways I am not prepared to decide. There 
must, however, have been a time when the disease did not exist, 
but must have arisen from a concurrence of natural causes ; and 
if these were adequate to its production at an anterior period, they 
must be so at the present time. I shall, therefore, abandon all 
further speculation in this direction as unprofitable, for there is 
evidently no direct cause, but various are the predisposing, ex- 
citing, indirect, and morbid causes. The only way that I know 
of to prevent this malady is to keep the cattle in a physiological 
condition, by paying proper attention to breeding, feeding, rear- 
ing, and housing; for animals in a perfectly healthy state are 
certain to enjoy immunity from this and other diseases. 

I have noticed, at various times, articles in agricultural papers 
on the prevention of black leg, which, in the name of common 
humanity I am compelled to notice. The one I have thought 
proper to select reads as follows : 

"Preventive. — Take spring calves in the month of October; cut 
a small incision in the hollow above the foot. On the top of the 
flesh a small blue vein appears ; take a crooked instrument, in the 
shape of an awl, and put the point under the vein, raise it up so 
that it can be cut, and take about an eighth of an inch out of the 
vein. Don't sew up the incision. It must be done on all the 
four feet. I have cut many hundreds, and have known of thou- 
sands being cut, and never knew of one dying with the above 
disease after being cut." 

Now, I am not disposed to scold or find fault, nor question the 
intentions of men who recommend or practice such outrageous 
barbarities under the guise of doctoring sick animals, but I wish 
to remind the intelligent reader that cattle have nerves to feel, 
and are as keenly sensible to pain as we are; therefore all un- 
necessary operations, even should they have received the seal of 
antiquity, ought to be avoided. This is the age of progression. 
The lamp of veterinary science is illuminating the mystified halo 
which has hitherto surrounded our barn-yard practice ; and before 
the barbarities of bygone days are practiced on our domestic ani- 
mals, let us be satisfied that we are using rational means for the 
recovery of the sick, such as science and common sense confirms. 
Just as rational would it be, if it were at all rational, to take an 
infant and divide one of the posterior veins of both feet, in view 



652 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

of preventing disease common to adult life, which, after all, might 
never occur, the little creature not being predisposed thereto. 

Let any one just study, the anatomical structure of the foot of 
an ox, and he will learn that the vein which we are recommended 
to sever and amputate from is called the coronary, and is engaged 
in returning blood from the vast venous plexuses of the foot, 
which requires to come in contact with the lungs for purification 
and oxygenation. Any impediments, such as severing a vein, 
which interrupts the free circulation or return of blood to the 
heart and lungs, can not be beneficial, but otherwise. It will be 
seen that the vein is nothing more than an elastic hollow tube, a 
mere vehicle, through which the blood courses; therefore it can 
not be supposed to have any specific power over other parts of the 
organization in warding off disease. 

I shall not trouble the reader with any further remarks on the 
subject of irrational and barbarous prevention; for I presume 
that the introduction of the foregoing paragraph will answer all the 
purposes intended. Among physicians the disease is known as 
hoematosepsis ; and our experience is that it usually occurs among 
young stock, and generally in well-bred animals in high con- 
dition, or in native stock in low condition; yet it may occur in 
the system of any bovine, as the result of sudden change in the 
quality of the food. 

Treatment. — It is an unfortunate occurrence that this disease 
should ever have been classed as an inflammatory affection, for 
the error has led to a system of practice disastrous as the cattle 
plague. The following paragraph from Youatt will serve to 
show the orthodox method of treating inflammatory fever, and 
will also explain the reason why a great proportion of the ani- 
mals treated die : 

"The very name of the disease (inflammatory fever) indicates 
the mode of treatment. In a case of excessive vascular action, 
the first and most important step is copious depletion. As much 
blood must be taken as the animal will bear to lose; and the 
stream must flow on until the animal staggers or threatens to fall. 
Here, more than in any other disease, there must be no foolish 
directions about quantities. As much blood must be taken away 
as can be got; for it is only by the bold and persevering use of 
depletory measures that a malady can be subdued that runs its 
course so rapidly. Purging must immediately follow. The Ep- 



VARIOUS OPERATIONS AND DISEASES. 653 

som salts are here, as in most inflammatory diseases, the best 
purgative. A pound and a half, dissolved in water or gruel, and 
poured down the throat as gently as possible, should be our first 
dose; and no aromatic should accompany it. If this does not 
operate in the course of six hours, another pound should be 
given; and after that, half-pound doses, every six hours, until 
the effect is produced." 

It is a wonder to me how any creature can survive such bar- 
barous treatment as this ; yet, even at the present day, just such 
doctrines are taught in the schools and practiced on cattle, to the 
disgrace of science and shame on those men who perpetrate the 
wickedness. Blood-letting and purging can have no good effect 
on a disease like this, so prostrating, and which runs its course to 
mortification so rapidly. Such a wretched system of practice has 
always failed, and ever will fail. 

That form of treatment which reason and experience suggests 
is the best. For example, it would naturally occur, to the mind 
free from the prejudice of veterinary orthodoxy, that a disease 
which runs into sloughing and mortification in a few short hours 
must require life-sustaining agents; hence I recommend a very 
different mode of treatment from that heretofore practiced. I 
commence the treatment thus : 

No. 127. Spirits of hartshorn 4 dr. 

Tar-water 1 qt. 

Tincture of bloodroot 1 oz. 

Mix the hartshorn and tar-water first ; then add the bloodroot. 
Drench (dose No. 1). The object in giving the hartshorn is to 
decarbonize the blood, and impart healthy stimulus to the nutri- 
ent system of blood-vessels and nerves ; and this agent will do it. 

Should the animal show any lameness in the back or hind quar- 
ters, apply the following : 

No. 128. Oil of cedar 2 oz. 

Sulphuric ether 2 oz. 

Tincture of capsicum 1 oz. 

Cod-liver oil 6 oz. 

First, mix the two oils; then add the ether, and shake them 
thoroughly ; lastly, add the tincture. The object in applying this 
preparation is to arouse capillary action, and thus prevent the en- 
gorgements, which, according to the best authorities, are every- 
where found. 



654 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Four hours after administering " dose No. 1 " drench the pa- 
tient with the following: 

No. 129. Liquid tar 1 oz. 

Glycerine 4 oz. 

Thin gruel 1 qt. 

If the urgency of the case demands it, this dose may be re- 
peated, at intervals of four hours, until symptoms of improve- 
ment are observed. The tar is a powerful antiseptic, and prevents 
decomposition, emphysema, and mortification. 

All sores and ulcers must be dressed with pyroligneous acid 
and kept constantly sprinkled with powdered bloodroot. All 
abscesses must be punctured with a thumb-lancet, their contents 
evacuated by pressure, and syringing them with soap-suds; and 
their cavities must be crammed with fine flour. Should any sores 
or ulcers be observed about the muzzle, mouth, or throat, tincture 
of matico is the remedy, or liquid tar. One ounce of the same 
may be introduced into the mouth of the patient ; it will surely 
do good. If the patient be weak and debilitated, tonics are indi- 
cated ; golden-seal, in two-drachm doses, may be incorporated in 
the food, in direct ratio to the urgency of the case. 



Black Tongue. 

This epizootic has raged very extensively, at different times, in 
North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Several per- 
sons have died from drinking milk from cows thus diseased. It 
appears that domestic cattle are not alone the sufferers, but that 
in Florida, particularly, the deer perish from the same disease in 
large numbers ; and, according to a letter in the Savannah " Re- 
publican," dogs, and the buzzards in Burke County, Georgia, that 
have eaten the flesh of cattle that have died of the black tongue, 
have perished from the effects of such poisonous diet. The cause 
of this malignant disease does not seem to have been yet ascer- 
tained, though by many it is attributed to the rust, which, in vari- 
rious parts of the Southern States, as elsewhere, has affected the 
grain crops, and, it is said, in some places, the grass also. The 
cattle are attacked by stiffness, and walk as though foundered, 
while froth is discharged in large quantities from the mouth; 
they can eat nothing, fall away rapidlv, and the tongue and gums 



VARIOUS OPERATIONS AND DISEASES. 655 

become dreadfully swollen, and turn black, and death speedily 
releases them from their agony. 

Treatment — The rapid progress which usually attends this 
dreadful epizootic calls for prompt and energetic treatment. It 
is evidently a congestive disease, and very apt to run into the 
typhoid stage and end in sudden death. The moment an ani- 
mal is suspected to be the subject of this malady, he should be 
drenched with 

No. 130. Table salt 12 oz. 

Warm water „ 1 qt. 

Tincture of capsicum 2 oz. 

This medicine will act as a powerful antiseptic and stimu- 
lating tonic, thus preserving the animal tissues against putres- 
cence; and at the same time it relieves the venous congestion. 
If, on applying the hand to any part of the body, a crackling 
sound is elicited, the animal is then said to be emphysematous, 
which signifies an accumulation of gas beneath the skin. The 
patient should then be immediately drenched with 

No. 131. Pyroligneous acid 2 oz. 

Pure oil of sassafras 28 drops. 

Linseed tea 1 qt. 

Mix the oil with the latter, then acid the acid. After having 
drenched the animal, apply a portion of the following to the tume- 
factions, or emphysematous region : 

No. 132. Soft soap 4 oz. 

Oil of sassafras -| oz. 

Dissolve the sassafras in two ounces of alcohol. 

Tincture of capsicum 2 oz. 

Tincture of Peruvian bark 1 pt. 

Mix, and rub the external surface with a portion of the same. 

The swollen tongue should be frequently covered with fine salt ; 
and the moment there appears any improvement, tonic medicines 
should be given. One ounce of the fluid extract of camomile 
flowers may be given, twice daily. This remedy will give tone 
to the system and restore the appetite. 

Fractured Bones. 

Fracture of bones, occurring among neat stock, is generally 
considered as a justifiable cause for their destruction; but I object 



656 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

to this summary mode of disposing of unfortunate yet valuable 
animals; for the truth is many are killed that might be saved. 
The trouble of managing, and the expense of treating cases of 
fracture, often deter husbandmen from performing a duty incum- 
bent on them in view of protecting their property ; but the trouble 
and expense are mere trifles when the usefulness of a valuable ani- 
mal is involved. 

The remedy in case of a simple fracture of bones, under the im- 
proved system of practice, is neither tedious nor expensive. The 
bones unite very readily, if kept in contact, and the unity is 
secured by means of starched bandages. Where there is any 
laceration of the soft parts, and the bone is broken into, several 
pieces, the better way is to put an end to the sufferings of the 
creature, for recovery is impossible. The following case will give 
some idea of the method of treating simple fractures. An animal 
under treatment for fracture, may be placed in the trevis, if neces- 
sary ; but I prefer to let the patient have its liberty in a box stall. 
The limb opposite to the fractured one will have to sustain more 
weight than usual ; therefore I try to prevent swelling and stiff- 
ness by occasional hand-rubbing, or by bathing it once or twice 
daily, with a portion of the following : 

No. 133. Oil of wormwood 1 oz. 

Alcohol 2 oz. 

New rum 2 qt. 

Mix. 

The following case of fracture of the radius I extract from my 
note-book : 

This was a case of simple fracture of the radius (bone above 
the knee) of a calf about six months old, the property of a gentle- 
man residing in Brookline. The accident was occasioned in con- 
sequence of the animal getting his leg entangled in a fold of chain, 
the latter being used for the purpose of confining him, in the day 
time, to a grazing spot. The fracture was crosswise of the long 
diameter of the bone in the central region ; namely, midway be- 
tween its superior and inferior extremities. No laceration of the 
soft tissues, nor comminution of bone. The diagnostic symptom 
was crepitis (crackling noise). 

Treatment. — The bones were brought in apposition, and secured 
by means of slips of pasteboard and starched bandages; and, in 
order to keep them from slipping downward, they were sewed to 



VARIOUS OPERATIONS AND DISEASES. 657 

a broad belt, which passed over the inferior cervial region, in the 
form of a figure 8. The animal did not appear to like this con- 
trivance, or else he liked to lick the starch, for he soon commenced 
to nibble the wick-yarn with which it was marled on, and so 
loosened the bandage that, in the course of a few hours, it slipped 
below the carpus. So soon as this occurred I was again sum- 
moned to visit the patient. I now procured some thick tar, and 
with it smeared the limb to the extent which was to be covered 
by bandage. The bandage was composed of common sheeting, 
three inches wide, three yards long, and this was also well tarred, 
and, after being neatly applied, was secured by means of the many- 
tailed, tarred bandage. This had the desired effect ; for, however 
well the animal might have liked the taste of starch, he apparently 
had no relish for tar. The bandage remained undisturbed. 

The accident happened on the 18th day of August, 1857; on 
the 4th day of October the osseous union was complete. The 
bandage had been removed some time prior to the latter date, yet 
the condensed tar was allowed to remain on the skin for some time. 
In a few months his limb was just as symmetrical as the other, 
and no one but a skillful surgeon would ever discover that the 
bone had been fractured. 



Light in Barns. 

Barns should be so constructed, by the insertion of windows in 
various parts of the building, that they shall be as " light as day." 
A " dark " barn is only a suitable black-hole for some vicious an- 
imal ; it is the very worst location for any thing that breathes. 
Sir A. Nylie (who was long at the head of the medical staff in 
the Russian army) states that the cases of disease on the dark side 
of an extensive barrack, at St. Petersburg, have been uniformly, 
for many years, in the proportion of three to one to those on the 
side exposed to a strong and uniform light. Humboldt has also 
remarked that among bipeds the residents of South America, who 
wear very little clothing, thus allowing the cutaneous, as well as 
the orbital surfaces to receive a free ray of light, enjoyed immunity 
from various diseases which prevailed extensively among the in- 
habitants of dark rooms and underground locations; and so ex- 
cellent an authority as Linnaeus contends that the constant ex- 
posure to solar light is one of the causes which render a summer 
42 



658 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

journey through high northern latitudes so peculiarly healthful 
and invigorating. Dr. Edwards has also remarked that persons 
who live in caves or cellars, or in very dark or narrow streets, are 
apt to produce deformed children ; and that men who work in 
mines are liable to disease and deformity. Light, therefore, is a 
condition of vital activity; and, in view only of preserving the 
sight of animals, it is absolutely necessary that, while they are in 
the barn, their optics shall have free access to the sun's rays. 

If a cow were in the same condition as a polype, with no organs 
of vision, who shuns light, a dark barn might prove to be its earthly 
paradise; but as the cow has special organs of vision, evidently 
susceptible to the influence of light, and the integrity of its organ- 
ism, or a part of the same, depending entirely on the admission 
of light, it is absolutely necessary that barns should be constructed 
accordingly. 

Diarrhea in Calves. 

Diarrhea is a very prevalent disease among calves. The suck- 
ing calf is liable to be the subject of this affection whenever the 
general health of the parent is impaired. In such cases the mother 
is to be treated instead of the calf. She, probably, is the subject 
of a deranged condition of the digestive organs, which can easily 
be remedied by the administration of a few doses of the following : 

No. 134. Pulverized charcoal ~) 

Carbonate of soda j- equal parts. 

Pulverized ginger J 

Dose, two ounces daily, to be incorporated with the food ; or it 
can be given as a drench, by adding a pint of scalded milk. 

The disease occasionally occurs in consequence of weaning the 
calf (in view of husbanding the cow's milk), and feeding the juve- 
nile on improper food. This kind of diarrhea must be treated as 
follows : 

No. 135. Phosphate of lime 1 oz. 

Carbonate of soda 2 dr. 

Scalded milk 1 pt. 

Mix the same, and administer by means of a drenching-horn 
or bottle. It may be divided into " broken " doses, or may be 
given at once, as a single dose. 

If the above remedies fail in arresting the diarrhea, I should 



VARIOUS OPERATIONS AND DISEASES.' 659 

give three drachms of tincture of matico, every four hours, until 
the patient showed some signs of improvement. 

Sprains or Strains. 

Sprains or strains are generally occasioned by unnatural dis- 
tension of parts, or rupture of cellular structure, which connects 
muscles or tendons. They are generally accompanied by heat, 
tenderness, and lameness. Working oxen are more liable to 
sprain than cows, because, when used in the yoke for draught, 
they are as liable to strain or rupture parts as horses, by sudden 
exertions, or violent efforts of the muscles to guard against a sud- 
den slip and fall. The slightest strain will sometimes occasion 
lameness, because the parts concerned are composed of minute 
fibers and cells, delicately organized ; and a portion or the whole 
of such minute tissues are easily injured. In bad cases of strain, 
considerable tumefaction or swelling is observed. This is occa- 
sioned by the presence of serum, or water, in the cellular tissues 
beneath the skin. If proper means are adopted, this fluid can be 
taken up by the absorbent vessels, so as to leave no enlargement; 
but if the case be badly treated, the enlargement becomes organ- 
ized into a permanent, hard mass, which is known to medical men 
as induration. 

Treatment. — The very best and cheapest remedies in the early 
stages of strain are rest and cold water. This very soon lessens 
the vascular excitement ; and, if there is no laceration, the animal 
will soon get well. It will be necessary to shower the sprained 
spot two or three times per day, until the acute symptoms have 
subsided. Then a common bandage may be applied. This should 
be wet with vinegar occasionally. Should the strained part be very 
painful, I would foment with infusion of hops — a handful of hops 
to a quart of boiling water, to be applied when cool. If this does 
not relieve the pain, let the part be occasionally sponged with a 
small quantity of sulphuric ether or chloroform. 

Bronchocele. 

Bronchocele is a disease known in common parlance as swelling 
in the throats of cattle. When it occurs among members of the 
human family it is denominated goitre ; yet it is my opinion that 



660 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

bronchocele occurring among cattle, and goitre in man, are very 
different affections. For example : Bronchocele occurring in cattle 
is curable, and, so far as I have been able to ascertain, is confined 
to the thyroid glands, although in a protracted state of the mal- 
ady, the surrounding tissues may become so involved as to render 
the case incurable. Goitre, as I understand it, is a diffuse tumor 
occupying the anterior part of the neck, occurring principally 
among the inhabitants of the Alps, and is considered incurable. 
Medicine and external applications seem to have little if any effect 
on it, and its removal by operation is generally fatal. The follow- 
ing cases are offered in support of my argument as to curability : 

A couple of cows, the property of Mr. Humphrey, of Brook- 
line, Mass., were observed to be the subjects of an enlargement in 
the thyroid region, which gradually increased up to the size of a 
man's fist. At this period 1 was requested to see them. The an- 
imals were natives ; their ages, seven and eight ; in fair condition, 
and yielding the usual quantity of milk. The only fault the owner 
had to complain of was that their appetites were not so good as 
usual, and he merely consulted me for the purpose of ascertaining 
what could be done for the thyroid tumors. On making careful 
examination of both animals, there was very little of abnormal 
action to be perceived, either internally or externally. The pulse 
was regular ; respirations, normal ; the surface of the body, com- 
fortably warm ; coat, glossy ; nothing unusual about the feces nor 
urine ; and all I could say about the cases was, that they were 
mild forms of hypertrophy of the thyroid glands (enlargement 
without change of structure). The tumor in one animal occupied 
the right side of the thyroid region ; in the other it was found in 
the left; both immovable, yet having no morbid adhesions to 
skin nor subtissue. 

Treatment. — The owner being unwilling to incur the expense of 
professional attention, and desiring to treat them himself, under 
advice, I accordingly prescribed as follows : Each animal to have 
daily ten grains of iodide of potassium in half a gill of water. 
The tumor to be anointed daily with a portion of the following : 

No. 136. Simple ointment 2 oz. 

Iodide of potassium 2 dr. 

Mix. 

During a period of seven days each animal got seventy grains 
of iodide of potassium, and by inunction received one drachm each. 



VARIOUS OPERATIONS AND DISEASES. 661 

According to the testimony of Mr. Humphrey, the remedy was 
effective; for at the end of two weeks the tumors had disappeared, 
and the animals were on the high road to health. 

Spaying Cows. 

Before I commence to point out the method of spaying, it may 
be proper to allude briefly to the female organs of generation. 

Uterus, or Womb. — This is a hollow, musculo-membranous or- 
gan, united to the front part of the vagina, and terminating beneath 
the anus, in what is known as the lips of the pudendum. The 
womb is destined for the reception of the fcetus. It is situated 
within the cavity of the pelvis, between the region of the bladder 
and that of the rectum, and is an organ capable of extraordinary 
distension. 

The womb is divided into body, horns, neck, and mouth. The 
body is the oblong, cylindrical part, growing out of the front part 
of the vagina, in the center of which it terminates, internally, by 
the mouth of the womb, termed by physicians the os uteri. The 
front part of the body of the womb, by branching into two divis- 
ions, forms the horns. They diverge laterally (sideways) toward 
the front part of the pelvis, and, finally, terminate in oval extrem- 
ities, (fallopian tubes,) and, lastly, the testes, or ovaries. The part 
termed the neck protrudes backward into the vagina, and is only 
perceptible when the parts are unimpregnated. 

The uterus and ovaries are partly covered, and confined to the 
sides of the pelvis by a portion of the peritoneum, called broad or 
lateral ligiments, which also inclose within its folds the fallopian 
tubes. 

The ovaries are two soft bodies, about the size of a walnut, and 
resembling somewhat in form the testicles of the male. They are 
filled with little vesicles, or bladders, which can be seen through 
the surface texture, containing a small quantity of a whitish yel- 
low fluid. These yellow bodies, or spots, termed corpora lutea, 
are supposed to contain the ova. The cicatrices, or marks left in 
the region where the vesicles have burst, denote the number of 
times the animal has been impregnated. The contents of the 
ovarian vesicles, from one or both testicles, are discharged into the 
uterus through the fallopian tubes, and the same is vitalized by 
the male semen in the act of copulation; so it will be perceived 



662 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

that the uterus has two inlets, coming from the ovaries, and one 
outlet, which is the lips of the vagina. 

The arteries which supply the uterine organs with blood are 
named vaginal, uterine, and spermatic. The vaginal is derived 
from the internal iliac; the uterine, from the external iliac; and 
the spermatic comes directly from the great aorta. 

This brief description of the form, function, and location of the 
uterine organs may possibly prove of some value to the husband- 
men of this country, who are not expected to be posted on the 
subject, and can not spare the time to familiarize themselves with 
the technicalities of the schools, yet have intelligence enough to 
comprehend plain matters of fact. 

On the Selection of Animals for Spaying. — If the animal be in- 
tended for milking purposes, a good milker must be selected, for 
the operation will not transform a poor milker into a good one. 
She must necessarily be in possession of those constitutional pecu- 
liarities which have been observed to prevail in animals renowned 
as first-class milkers. The operation will, without doubt, improve 
the quality of the milk, yet may not, under all circumstances, in- 
crease the quantity, although the French dairymen contend that 
" the cow will be found to give as much milk after eighteen months 
as immediately after the operation ; and there was found, in quan- 
tity, in favor of the spayed cows, a great difference." About three 
years ago I spayed a cow, the property of a gentleman residing in 
Southboro'. She continued during this period to yield her usual 
quantity of milk, yet gradually accumulated fat, so that she was 
known in the neighborhood as the " fat cow." When in this con- 
dition, the daily yield of milk gradually decreased, and the owner 
at last sold her to the butcher. I learned from parties who bought 
the meat that it was of superior quality even to that of an ox or 
steer, and commanded a higher price. Among other animals that 
I have spayed several have run to fat, as the saying is, and at the 
end of from eighteen months to three years, fell into the hands of 
the butcher as first-rate beef. I am, therefore, inclined to think 
that if animals are predisposed to fatten easily, they will not remain 
uniform milkers beyond the above period ; yet, from a report made 
by the Rheims Academy, I learn that this liability to fatten was 
not observed in the environs of Paris, where, in some milking 
establishments, one hundred and fifty cows are kept, all spayed 
except fifteen or twenty. It may happen, however, that in conse- 



VARIOUS OPERATIONS AND DISEASES. 663 

quence of their not being permitted to go to pasture, and their 
artificial food not of the best quality, and perhaps scanty, they do 
not. have enough adipose matter to spare and store away in the 
fat-cells, as is the case with stall-fed animals in private establish- 
ments, where only one or two are kept. 

In view, therefore, of securing a permanent milker, I should 
select a cow of compact muscular organization (native breed), hav- 
ing little, if any, predisposition to accumulate fat. She must be a 
good milker, and the mother of at least three calves. The best 
period for spaying is in the spring, when the unimpregnated ani- 
mal is in her full flow of milk. If the object of spaying be to 
furnish the market with fat, tender, juicy meat, then I should se- 
lect animals, barren or otherwise, that keep in good condition on 
a small quantity of food. The operation may be performed at any 
period, from the age of three months to nine or more years. 

Mode of Operation. — The principal authority on the modus 
operandi of spaying is M. Morin, a celebrated French veterinary 
surgeon. I am not in the habit of performing the operation ac- 
cording to his directions, yet the reader may desire to know how 
it has been performed in a country where the results have been so 
remarkably successful ; therefore I introduce the following quota- 
tions : 

" Having covered the head of the cow to be operated on, we 
place her against a wall provided with five rings, firmly fastened 
and placed as follows: The first corresponds to the top of the 
withers ; the second to the lower anterior part of the breast ; the 
third is placed a little distance from the angle of the shoulder ; the 
fourth is opposite to the anterior and superior part of the lower 
region, and the fifth, which is behind, answers to the under part 
of the buttocks. We place a strong assistant between the wall and 
the head of the animal, who firmly holds the horn in the left hand, 
and with his right the muzzle, which he elevates a little. This 
done, we pass through and fasten the end of a long, strong, platted 
cord in the ring to the lower part of the breast ; we bring the free 
end of the cord along the left flank, and pass it through the ring 
which is below and in front of the withers; we bring it down 
along the breast, behind the shoulders and the angle of the fore- 
leg, to pass it through the third ring; from there we pass it 
through the ring which is at the top of the back ; then it must be 
passed around against the outer angle of the left hip, and we fasten 



664 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

it, after having drawn it tightly to the posterior ring, by a simple 
bow-knot. The cow being firmly fixed to the wall, we place a 
cord, fastened by a slip-noose, around the hocks, to keep them to- 
gether in such a manner that the animal can not kick the operator. 
The free end of the cord and the tail are held by an assistant. 
The cow, thus secured, can not, during the operation, move for- 
ward nor lie down ; and the veterinary surgeon has all the ease 
desirable, and is protected from accident. 

M. Leorant advises that an assistant should hold a plank or bar 
of wood obliquely under the teats and before its limbs, to ward 
off the kicks ; but this method is not always without danger, both 
to the operator and the animal, because, at the commencement — 
that is, when the surgeon makes the incision through the hide and 
the muscles — the cow makes such sudden movements, and tries 
so frequently to strike with its left hind foot, that it may happen 
that, upon every movement, the plank or the bar may be struck 
against the operator's legs. On the other hand, although the de- 
fense may be firmly held by the assistant, yet it may happen that, 
in spite of his exertions, he sometimes may be thrown against the 
operator, by the movements she may attempt, and there may be 
an uncontrollable displacement of the plank or bar ; and then it 
may happen that she becomes wounded, and, at the same time, 
prevents the operation ; while, by the mode we point out, there is 
no fear of accident, either to the operator or the beast. In case 
of the want of well-provided rings, we may use a strong palisade, 
a solid fence, or two trees, at suitable distances apart. Across we 
fix two strong boards of wood, separated from each other, accord- 
ing to the size of the cow. 

There is another means of confining them that we have em- 
ployed for some time past, where the cows were very strong and 
irritable, more simple than the preceding, less fatiguing to the 
animal, less troublesome to the operator, and which answers per- 
fectly. It consists in leaving the cow almost free, covering her 
eyes, holding her head by two strong assistants, one of whom 
seizes the nose with his hand, and strongly pinches the nostrils 
whenever the animal makes any strong movement during the 
operation ; in causing another assistant to hold the two hind legs, 
kept together by means of a cord passed above and beneath the 
hocks. This assistant also holds the tail, and pulls it whenever 
the animal seeks to change its place. 



VARIOUS OPERATIONS AND DISEASES. 665 

The cow being conveniently disposed of, and the instruments 
and appliances, (such as curved scissors, upon a table, a convex- 
edged bistoury, a straight one, and one buttoned at the point, 
suture-needle filled with double thread of desired length, pledgets 
of lint of appropriate size and length, a mass of tow in pledgets, 
being collected in a shallow basket held by an assistant,) we place 
ourselves opposite to the left flank, our back turned a little toward 
the head of the animal ; we cut off the hair which covers the hide 
in the middle of the flanks, at an equal distance between the back 
and hip, for the space of thirteen or fourteen centimeters in cir- 
cumference. This done, we take the convex bistoury, and place 
it open between our teeth, the edge out, the point to the left ; then, 
with both hands, we seize the hide in the middle of the flank, 
and form of it a wrinkle of the requisite elevation, and running 
lengthwise of the body. 

We then direct an assistant to seize, with his right hand, the 
right side of this wrinkle. We then take the bistoury, and cut 
the wrinkle at one stroke through the middle. The wrinkle hav- 
ing been suffered to go down, a separation of the hide is presented, 
of sufficient length to enable us to introduce the hand. Thereupon 
we separate the edges of the hide with the thumb and fore-finger 
of the left hand, and, in like manner, we cut through the abdom- 
inal muscles, the iliac (rather obliquely) and the lumbar (cross), 
for a distance of a centimeter from the lower extremity of the 
incision made in the hide. This done, armed with the straight 
bistoury, we make a puncture of the peritoneum, at the upper 
extremity of the wound ; we then introduce the buttoned bistoury, 
and move it obliquely from above to the lower part, up to the 
termination of the incision made in the abdominal muscles. The 
flank being opened, we introduce the right hand into the abdo- 
men, and direct it along the right side of the cavity of the pelvis, 
behind the paunch and underneath the rectum, where we find the 
horns of the uterus. After we have ascertained the position of 
these viscera, we search for the ovaries, which are at the extrem- 
ity of the cornua, or horns (fallopian tubes) ; and when we have 
found them, we seize them between the thumb and fore-finger, 
detach them completely from the ligaments that keep them in 
their place, pull lightly, separating the cord and the vessels (ute- 
rine or fallopian tubes) at their place of union with the ovarium, 
by means of the nails of the thumb and fore-finger, which presents 



666 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

itself at the point of touch ; in fact, we break the cord, and bring 
away the ovarium. 

We then introduce the hand again in the abdominal cavity, and 
proceed in the same manner to extract the other ovarium. This 
operation terminated, by the assistance of a needle we place a suture 
of three or four double threads, waxed, at an equal distance, and at 
two centimeters or a little less from the lips of the wound. Passing 
it through the divided tissues, we move from the left hand with 
the piece of thread ; having reached that point, we fasten with a 
double knot. We place the seam in the intervals of the thread 
from the right, and, as we approach the lips of the wound, we 
fasten by a simple knot, being careful not to close too tightly the 
lower part of the seam, so that the suppuration, which may be 
established in the wound, may be able to escape. The operation 
effected, we cover up the wound with a pledget of lint, kept in its 
place by three or four threads passed through the stitches, and all 
is completed. It happens sometimes that, in cutting the muscles 
of which we have before spoken, we cut one or two of the arte- 
ries, which bleed so much that there is no necessity for a ligature 
before opening the peritoneal sac, because if this precaution be 
omitted, blood will escape into the abdomen, and may occasion 
the most serious consequences." 

Improved Method of Spaying. — I cast the cow, by means of the 
hobbles (see cut of instruments), on her right side. I then apply 
to the nostrils a sponge, saturated with concentrated sulphuric 
ether. When the animal is completely unconscious, I slacken the 
casting-rope, so as to free the limbs and prevent any pressure on the 
walls of the abdomen. By so doing, I secure room enough to intro- 
duce a hand and arm, for the purpose of searching for the ovaries. 

The first stage of the operation consists in pinching up a fold 
of the skin on the left side, midway between the prominent bone 
of the haunch or pelvis, and the last or posterior rib, about four 
inches below the transverse processes of the lumbar (back) ver- 
tebrae. Having divided the integuments to the extent of about 
five or six inches, I make a similar incision through the abdom- 
inal muscles, until the peritoneum (lining membrane of the ab- 
dominal cavity) is exposed. This membrane is then punctured 
by means of a beak -pointed bistoury, into which puncture I insin- 
uate a knife having a probe point, and then divide the peritoneum 
to the extent of the external incision. 




VARIOUS OPERATIONS AND DISEASES. 667 

The second stage of the operation commences with the intro- 
duction of the operator's right arm, lie kneeling down in close 
contact with the cow's back. The hand is then passed within the 
brim or cavity of the pelvis. Having found the deep-seated or 
right ovary, it must be removed by laceration. I find that the 
best and most expeditious way is to slip the other hand into the 
abdominal cavity; then, with the right hand, I seize the broad 
ligament at the base of the ovary ; my left then clasps the ovary, 
and in this way, by using trifling force, the ovary is detached or 
torn away. The left ovary is then to be sought for, and an as- 
sistant depresses the edges of the incision. At the same time the 
operator, having a firm hold on the ovary, brings it into view, 
so that it can be removed by means of a pair of blunt-pointed 
scissors. 

The third stage of the operation is the process of uniting the 
abdominal muscles, by means of stitches or sutures. A curved 
needle, armed with four or five threads of shoemaker's twine, well 
beeswaxed, is to be passed through the abdominal muscles, with- 
out penetrating the peritoneum, (lining membrane of the abdom- 
inal cavity,) at interrupted distances of one inch, more or less. 
Each suture is to be securely tied ; one end of the same is to be 
cut close to the knot, the other is left long enough to protrude 
through the integumental incision. The skin, or integument, is 
then to be closed by means of ligature or metallic wire, leaving a 
small orifice at the inferior or lower region of the external incision, 
for the escape of morbid matter. This completes the operation. 
In the course of a week or ten days the deep-seated ligatures may 
be pulled away, and when the integument is well united, tlie ex- 
ternal stitches may also be removed. The wound is healed by 
Nature, and scarcely, if ever, requires any sort of dressing. 



SECTION XXIX. 

REMARKS ON THE CATTLE PLAGUE* 

DISEASES of all kinds are attributable to predisposing and 
exciting causes. The majority of maladies require a com- 
bination of agencies to induce them ; but there are some which 
can only be developed by one unchangeable and specific means, 
which we designate contagion. A sheep can only become scabby 
by the scab-insect creeping on its body, and there multiplying. 
A dog only becomes rabid by the virus of another rabid animal 
entering its system ; and scientific men are agreed that an animal 
can only be seized with rinderpest as the result of direct or indi- 
rect communication of the rinderpest virus from a diseased to a 
healthy animal. These are accepted truths which somewhat shock 
the minds of people unacquainted with the mysterious operations 
of Nature. The question occurs to most persons whether, under 
extraordinary circumstances, these contagious maladies are not 
generated de novo. All we can say is, that as yet no one has dem- 
onstrated that in the steppes (Russian plains) cattle can be placed 
under such circumstances, apart from being subjected to the in- 
fluence of contagion, as can induce the disorder. The disease is 
always there, roving to and fro, winter and summer, among cattle 
of all kinds, sometimes killing many, and at other times attack- 
ing few. My belief is, after searching in vain for evidence of the 
spontaneous development of the rinderpest in Asiatic or Euroj^eau 
Russia, that the malady (just like human small-pox) is never de- 
veloped, per se, out of nothing, but is propagated in obedience 
to immutable laws, such as those which operate in perpetuating 
Small-pox in man. There are periods of recrudescence which are, 



* Condensed from Mr. John Gamgee's late great work on the Cattle Plague. 
(668) 



THE CATTLE PLAGUE. 669 

to a great extent, accounted for by periodic and extraordinary- 
movements of stock, as in times of war, or by an activated cattle 
trade; but neither cold nor heat, rain nor drought, storms nor 
severe frosts, affect the propagation of the malady, except in so far 
as they affect the movements of people and the traffic in cattle. 

The predisposition said to exist in the cattle of the steppes (the 
special idiosyncrasy which has been spoken of) is observed, during 
outbreaks in Western Europe, to manifest itself in rendering the 
disorder less severe, far less malignant, in the cattle of Russia 
than in any other known breeds. Jessen tells us that foreign 
stock in Russia, acclimatized and bred there, succumbs from at- 
tacks of the disease as rapidly as in its native country. Thus 
Devon cattle imported into Russia, bred there, for years continue 
to indicate a terrible susceptibility, and are rapidly exterminated 
when the disease is communicated to them by accidental contact 
or artificial inoculation. It is difficult to understand that these 
animals, manifesting an extraordinary susceptibility, should not, 
as it is proved they do not, suffer from spontaneous manifesta- 
tions of the disease, which have been regarded as likely among the 
less susceptible herds of the steppes. I do not believe that the 
flesh and blood of the Russian cattle are impregnated with this 
malady, nor that they inherit it as human beings do scrofula; and 
I am strongly disposed to regard the specific poison of the cattle 
plague as obeying the same laws of reproduction as those which 
we know regulate the development of the virus of variola. 

We are asked again, How did the first case occur? We must 
give an Irishman's answer, and ask, How did the first case of 
human small-pox or hydrophobia occur? We can prove abso- 
lutely nothing as to their primary origin, and all we can say is, 
the most careful observations show that the transmission and pro- 
creation of certain animal poisons, including that of the cattle 
plague, obey laws similar to those which govern the transmission 
and procreation of living organisms. Some day we may know 
more of the vitality of animal poisons. We now know that their 
destructive operations are not more extraordinary, and the reasons 
for their existence not more unfathomable, than those of many 
parasitic plants and animals which seem to live and to multiply 
by undeviating processes of generation, only to shorten the exist- 
ence of the higher orders of the animal or vegetable kingdoms. 

It is strange, but true, that the poison of the steppe murrain 



670 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

may be compared to any living organism which only requires a 
favorable habitat for its indefinite increase. Just as the scab- 
insect lives and breeds almost exclusively on the skin of a sheep, 
so does the cattle-plague virus grow in quantity only when it 
meets with conditions favorable to its fructification in the systems 
of bovine animals. This statement is not affected by the occa- 
sional appearance of the disease among goats, sheep, and other 
animals ; for we well know, after the experience of centuries, that 
whatever animals may be in a country, whenever the horned 
stock has succumbed the disease vanishes. It does, indeed, inflict 
some damage on the flocks of sheep; but its slow and imperfect 
propagation among them indicates that it needs a more favorable 
nidus for its perfect and complete development. 

If all known facts seem to favor the view that the Russian mur- 
rain owes its origin to contagion alone (even in Russia), no one 
having a knowledge of the subject believes that any other cause 
can induce it beyond the confines of that country. Numberless 
outbreaks, traced without doubt to contagion, and the certainty 
with which the early slaughter of diseased animals extinguishes 
any manifestation of the malady, even in countries where it ap- 
pears often, have tended to discard from our minds the possibility 
of any spontaneous development of the plague over the European 
continent, in the new world, which it has never visited, or in the 
islands of the globe. It is singular, and it is very instructive, 
that the disease should alone be kept up in a country such as 
Russia. The conditions there are all in favor of the perpetuation 
of contagious maladies; and it is important to mention that even 
small-pox in sheep is preserved in Europe by its constant presence 
and frequent recrudescence in Russia. 

The view of the purely contagious nature of rinderpest is ma- 
terially strengthened by the definite knowledge of the origin of 
all diseases, which, undoubtedly, originate spontaneously in vari- 
ous parts of the world. The Siberian boil plague, which has been 
confounded with the steppe murrain, is one of those enzootic dis- 
orders due to excessive heat in the broad plains of Siberia, and 
especially in certain spots where an elevated temperature oper- 
ating on retentive and ill-drained soils, produces a malady which 
certainly acquires contagious properties, but which ceases with 
the advent of cold and the washing of miasmata into the earth. 
The Siberian boil plague springs suddenly into existence, is projt- 



THE CATTLE PLAGUE. 671 

agated a certain distance, but can not spread far, after the manner 
of purely contagious disorders, which are not influenced by sea- 
sons or weather. I could mention many similar instances, were 
it necessary, and there is none better than that virulent blood 
disease which has gone on increasing of late in this country, in 
districts where farmers grow the largest crops by liberally dis- 
tributing manure on fertile soils. That disease is splenic apo- 
plexy, which has been studied on the Northumberland hills, in the 
fens of Lincolnshire, and the Somersetshire pastures. Professor 
Voelckee traced, in his laboratory, one of the potent causes in- 
ducing this malady in the west of England, and proved how wrong 
it was to give animals water charged with the products of organic 
waste, such as nitrates and other salts. The Russian cattle plague 
never did and never can appear here but as an imported pesti- 
lence. All who have seen this disease must, at all events, admit 
its highly infectious and contagious character. The air surround- 
ing a diseased animal is impregnated with volatile poison, and 
every part of the animal's system is charged with the same prin- 
ciple, but in a tangible form capable of being carried on the point 
of an inoculating needle, and of being plunged with effect into the 
tissues of a healthy ox. Admitting, therefore, that contagion is 
the great and all-potent exciting cause, it may be well to enter 
into details on two points. We must first discuss whether certain 
conditions directly affecting an animal render its system more 
than ordinarily susceptible to the disease; and, secondly, what 
external conditions favor the propagation of the virus. 

Causes. — Individual susceptibility or idiosyncrasy affects the 
communication of the disorder to some, though to a very limited 
extent. We no doubt have the striking illustration of the Rus- 
sian ox, which is often attacked in a mild manner ; and so we find 
in this country that a herd is killed out in five days, and another, 
of a very similar kind, is not killed out in a month, and several 
animals do not suffer at all. This fact is partially explained by 
the poison sometimes growing weaker as it passes from herd to 
herd. We witness this with all poisons ; and hence the great im- 
portance of guarding against fresh importations of virus, even 
during the prevalence of the steppe murrain in a country. The 
broader the area over which the poison can meet with favorable 
conditions for its development, the greater the tendency to severe 
recrudescence during an outbreak. 



672 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

There are some unaccountable instances of constitutional im- 
munity, and animals in this country have appeared to withstand 
the disease with effect, or it has attacked them so mildly as scarcely 
to be observed. This, it is true, is extremely rare, but has been 
observed sufficiently often to indicate that, whatever may be the 
cause, one animal is very susceptible, and another less so, to attacks. 
We can not ascertain the special predisposition until the effects of 
contagion on an animal have been witnessed. 

Age exerts no influence on the disease. Kersting has, how- 
ever, said that, as the result of inoculation, young calves and cows 
suffer most severely. Lean or fat oxen are also badly affected; 
but animals in moderate condition, and at maturity, seem to bear 
up best against the disease. As to the influence of sex, it would 
appear that, as with other contagious maladies, cows yielding milk 
are very susceptible. Pregnant animals readily catch the disease, 
but probably not so readily during gestation as at the period of 
calving. 

The conditions under which animals are kept do not seem to 
have much influence on the character and rapid spread of the dis- 
order. We believe that, as a rule, the disease will be most speed- 
ily propagated where animals are congregated in a shed under one 
roof. Indeed, numerous instances have occurred of animals, by 
being separated, escaping the disease ; and, although it is virulent 
enough in the open air, the cases do not follow each other quite so 
rapidly as where the cattle are housed. A proof of the aggrava- 
tion of the disease among housed stock is its general manifestation 
where sheep are constantly penned with cattle, and the common 
escape of these animals when they only mix with oxen or cows in 
the open air. Dr. Maresch, who first described the cattle plague 
in sheep with accuracy, showed that the malady was only rife in 
flocks housed with bovine animals. The question then arises, 
Does the housing affect the constitution of animals, or does it 
simply concentrate the poison *? It is not improbable that it acts 
in both ways. Every one agrees that the depressing effects of bad 
ventilation, of breathing an impure atmosphere, tend to aggravate 
and accelerate the malady, though there are not wanting cases to 
prove the exact contrary. The same is observed in other con- 
tagious diseases ; and I have known two herds of heifers, belong- 
ing to the same owner, one housed and the other in the fields, 
seized with pleuro-pneumonia about the saLae time. The housed 



THE CATTLE PLAGUE. 673 

herd, by no means kept cleanly, suffered little, while few survived 
in the open fields. I am a great believer in fresh air, wholesome 
food, and pure water; but there is absolutely nothing to prove that 
animals die more readily from the cattle plague where the venti- 
lation is imperfect, and the food and water far from being of the 
best quality. 

It is understood that the poison of the cattle plague comes from 
abroad, and there are those who think that it may be the result of 
confining cattle for days and nights together in crowded ships, 
surrounded with dirt, ill-fed, and supplied with an insufficient 
quantity of water. Vivid descriptions have been written of the 
heat, fetor, and steaming sweat which rises from the holds of ships 
engaged in the cattle traffic. We are asked if it be possible that 
animals should be thus ill-used without suffering from any or all 
diseases ; and the foot and mouth disease, pleuro-pneumonia, and 
the cattle plague, which differ in intensity, but not in character, 
have each been ascribed to these general causes. It is certain that 
maltreatment is not invigorating. It may lead to suffocation or 
severe constitutional disturbance ; but, in spite of all the mis- 
management in bringing cattle across the sea, no case of specific 
disease has, to my knowledge, ever thereby been induced. How- 
ever much the animals may suffer, they can only die of the cattle 
plague with varying rapidity when that plague is brought among 
them by a diseased beast or infected materials. The same remarks 
apply to markets, farm-yards, and town cow-sheds. The filthier 
these places are, the greater, undoubtedly, the facilities for infection ; 
but no amount of filth ever produced a specific outbreak of lung 
disease or rinderpest. We concentrate the poison in foul places, 
but we do not create it. 

We can, with some show of reason, attribute to steam-power the 
outbreak of contagious diseases in this and other countries during 
the last quarter of a century. But steam has operated in facili- 
tating locomotion, and in placing distant parts in regular and rapid 
communication with each other. Before countries were intersected, 
as they now are, by railways, it took several days to transport ani- 
mals a distance of one hundred miles. It is, of course, better to 
move an animal in a pure van or truck than to walk it along roads 
where its feet may plunge in excrement, or its lungs inhale the 
breath of any sick animal passing, and which, by some strange 
fatality, is sure to be approached. Cattle are inquisitive, and 
43 



674 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

sheep flock toward sheep ; so that if they meet animals of their 
kind, and especially sick ones, they are sure to run up to them 
and smell about, and thus endanger their own lives. 

The excrement which drops from animals affected with rinder- 
pest, and which are driven or placed in trucks or vans, is highly 
charged with poison. It readily communicates the disease, as has 
been proved by myself and others, by inoculation ; and it is well 
known that if a cow places its foot in a mass of this excrement, 
the chances are that it will be inoculated. The intestinal gases 
have been collected and then discharged by the diseased animal, 
so that, if healthy cattle inhale these gases, the probability is that 
they will contract the disease. The discharge from sick animals 
generally, and their manure in particular, are very apt to secure 
an indirect contagion. The greatest care should, therefore, be ex- 
ercised not to disseminate the poison by such means. Food which 
has been mouthed or breathed on by sick cattle is capable of com- 
municating disease, and this should always be kept in mind. It 
is not easy to determine if water, under the same circumstances, 
has a contagious effect. Some persons have supposed that if ani- 
mals with the Russian plague drink from a river whose waters run 
through other farms or districts, the disease may be carried by the 
stream to great distances. This I do not believe, inasmuch as 
water is a great purifying and diluting agent, and even all the 
poison that a large herd of cattle may drop into a river can have 
no effect, as it passes on in an enormous mass of water, which ef- 
fectually weakens and destroys it. The case is different if animals 
are made to drink out of a common pail or trough ; for, in such 
a case, it is not so much the water that carries the virus as the 
sides of the vessel containing that water. It may be noted, how- 
ever, that cattle of different farms often stand for hours together 
in a stream at only a few yards apart ; and here, as in the drink- 
ing-trough, the virus contained in the discharges may reach 
healthy animals unchanged, and thus lead to their contamination. 

In countries or districts where contagious diseases prevail among 
cattle and sheep, we find that slaughter-houses are favorable for 
their dissemination. This is due to the fact that plague-stricken 
animals are taken there for slaughter, are sometimes kept alive for 
hours, or even days, and, when killed, much that is charged with 
virus escapes in surface-drains, or on an open causeway, so that, 
within a certain radius, there is a chance of contaminating healthy 



THE CATTLE PLAGUE. 675 

stock. One way in which the cattle plague may be carried from 
diseased cattle or from a slaughter-house is unquestionably by flies, 
which, after resting on the carcass or offal of sick animals, fly 
about, rest again on the animal, especially on any wounded parts, 
and thus produce a direct inoculation. Any place in which many 
animals affected with rinderpest are slaughtered, must charge the 
surrounding neighborhood with enough poison to kill large num- 
bers of cattle. The hides and meat of diseased animals carry the 
infection. In Hungary I am told that one common cause of rin- 
derpest outbreak on a farm is the hawking about of the flesh of 
animals slaughtered during an attack of the disease. If the water 
in which such meat is washed be thrown into a yard to which cattle 
have access, an outbreak is almost sure to follow. Jessen speaks 
of cattle becoming infected by drinking the water used in soaking 
or washing salt meat. Slaughter-houses and the traffic in hides 
and meat are probably not so active in favoring the spread of the 
rinderpest as cattle-dealers' farms, and the changes of stock which 
necessarily occur there. The grazing of cattle in neighboring fields, 
feeding them on the road-sides, driving them along paths through 
fields where there is a right of way, are all potent circumstances 
in the dissemination of rinderpest. 

No one doubts that dogs which feast on the carcasses of diseased 
animals are very liable to carry infection. I have been consulted 
more than once as to the probability of a pack of fox-hounds 
carrying infection over a country by passing through fields con- 
taining sick cattle, and afterward crossing healthy farms. It is 
possible that a pack of hounds may carry much excrement charged 
with organic poison from one field to another; therefore, in an 
infected district hunting should, in my opinion, be discontinued. 
Human beings, as well as quadrupeds, are accused of harboring 
the poison and distributing it, and no doubt they do carry it, more 
or less, if great care be not exercised. I have been assured that 
in Russia one common cause of wide-spread outbreaks was the 
practice of calling priests and people together to pray in the cattle- 
sheds, that the plague might be stayed, and the assembled people 
moving thence from farm to farm. Vicq d'Azyr demonstrated, 
last century, that if clothes worn by attendants on diseased cattle 
were placed on sound stock, three animals out of six would be 
seized with the disease. 

Without entering into further details, I may state that the 



676 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

causes here enumerated as affecting the transmission of the cattle 
plague are not imaginary but real. Enough to mention that 
farmers and others, who have any thing to do with rinderpest, 
must regard it as a purely contagious and specific disease, inca- 
pable of spontaneous development, but most readily and certainly 
communicable from diseased to healthy cattle, and sometimes from 
cattle to sheep, or vice versa. 

Symptoms. — The recognition of this disease is greatly facilitated, 
especially when it first appears in a herd, by a knowledge of its 
prevalence in any district or country. I mention this, as in many 
diseases we have premonitory signs similar to those of the cattle 
plague ; and it is especially when we know of its existence in or 
near a country, district, or farm that the earlier symptoms are of 
value. Indeed, when an outbreak is studied, great importance 
should be attached to the period which elapses from the intro- 
duction of a diseased animal, or other source of infection, to the 
first appearance of sickness in a stock. Every specific fever has 
its period of incubation — that period during which the poison is 
insidiously attacking the system of a manor animal — and there 
is no more distinct feature of the cattle plague than its latent 
stage. From four to seven clays is the usual period of incubation. 
It often extends . to a week, but very rarely, indeed, beyond the 
eighth day. Some say it may be as short as twenty-four hours,* 
and others that it occasionally extends to twenty-eight days. 
There are no reliable facts in proof of these extremes, but there 
is a large amount of evidence to show that an animal may be re- 
garded as absolutely free if it does not show signs of disorder 
within ten days after having been exposed to the contagion. In- 
deed, recent inquiries and observations would lead one to regard 
the incubative stage as not often exceeding six days, though the 
earlier or premonitory signs of an attack are not apparent to non- 
professional observers. I consider this point of the greatest im- 
portance in relation to the subject of veterinary inspection, and 
one affording scope for many experiments as to the facilities 
offered for the prevention of the disease, by recognizing sickness 
in animals before they become dangerous from the discharge of 
that poison which is the cause of the propagation of the malady. 
Whenever medical treatment may have to be tried, it is at this 
early period that good results may be anticipated. 

A delicate thermometer indicates an elevation of temperature in 



THE CATTLE PLAGUE. 677 

the earliest stage of the disease varying from one to four degrees. 
The elevation precedes the acceleration of the pulse and every 
other symptom. It is not uncommon to find it in healthy ani- 
mals varying one or two degrees at different periods of the day, 
so that reliable observations can only be made on a number of 
cattle at the same time, obeying in all the same conditions as to 
the instrument used, the part in which the observation is made, 
whether it be the rectum or vagina, and the length of time the 
instrument is inserted, etc. Sometimes, when animals are excited 
on a hot day, and are hurried into a shed from a field, the ther- 
mometer may rise one or two-tenths more than usual ; but if a 
whole stock be examined, any animals suffering, however slightly, 
from the disease, indicate an elevation amounting even to five or 
six degrees. Such an exaltation of temperature is generally in- 
compatible with health, and the only exception yet known to this 
rule is that observed during oestrum or sexual excitement; the 
temperature then rises three or four degrees, and the same may 
be seen just after parturition. A number of experiments prove: 

First. That the temperature is much exalted when the pulse 
indicates slight or no variation from the normal standard. 

Secondly. That there are variations in the frequency of the pulse 
and the temperature during the course of the disease. 

Thirdly. A sudden lowering of temperature usually, if not al- 
ways, precedes death. In the cases quoted above, where the tem- 
perature last taken is marked as high as 105° and 104°, death did 
not take place until ten or twelve hours after the last observation. 

Fourthly. With the lowering of temperature before death there 
is a greatly increased frequency of pulse, varying from 120 beats 
per minute to such a rate as to render observations almost im- 
possible. 

When animals recover, the temperature decreases gradually till 
it reaches its normal standard. There is an absence of very 
marked and sudden change. The transition from sickness to con- 
valescence occurs steadily and with regularity. 

I consider it impossible to over-estimate the importance of 
thermometric observations such as those referred to, and, although 
similar results may be obtained in the investigation of other dis- 
eases, it is evident that the thermometer affords unerring as well 
as early evidence of an animal sickening, recovering, or about to 
die. No other indication is so unmistakable and satisfactory; 



678 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

and though there are other febrile diseases associated with an 
early elevation in temperature, it must be admitted that, taken 
with the history and symptoms of the case, the accuracy afforded 
by thermometric observations is of the highest moment. 

The visible premonitory signs consist in shivering, muscular 
twitchings, and uneasiness. In some cases there is dullness, and 
in others excitement amounting even to delirium and associated 
with remarkable sensitiveness. There is often a short, husky 
cough ; the appetite is irregular, capricious, and then entirely lost ; 
rumination ceases; the animal grinds its teeth, yawns, arches its 
back, and draws its legs together under its body ; the eyes, nose, 
and mouth are dry, red, and hot ; the extremities are cold, though 
the internal heat is high; constipation, as a rule, exists; and 
secretion is generally arrested, as indicated in milch cows, by the 
milk at once ceasing to flow. The respirations are often, but not 
invariably, increased in frequency ; expirations succeed the inspi- 
rations tardily, and with each there is a low moan; the temper- 
ature continues to rise, though the animal's skin becomes rigid, 
and indicates functional derangement by a staring coat, dryness,, 
and eruptions. t 

The redness of the visible mucous membranes, especially of the 
gums, lips, papillae on the inside of the cheeks, is partial, pale, and 
patchy at first. Dr. Weber has spoken of the aphthous eruption 
of the mouth, the aphthae being of circular or indefinite form, 
covered with whitish-yellow granular exudation, which adheres 
very slightly and is easily removed. He also speaks of the red- 
ness of the papillae of the cheeks as always beginning at the apex. 
Jessen has published a pamphlet on the appearance of the buccal 
membranes, which he describes as sometimes consisting in small, 
round nodules (seldom larger than a millet-seed), still covered 
with epithelium when discovered, through which a yellowish or 
yellowish -gray material can be distinguished. Within twenty- 
four hours the epithelium gives way and the contents become 
visible. The result is a superficial lesion, which soon heals. In 
other cases the nodules become confluent, and form a considerable 
enervated ulcer, with irregular margins. The so-called aphthae 
are described by Jessen as small vesicles due to raising of the 
epithelium, and either contains a clear watery or a turbid fluid, 
and leave behind round, flattened excoriations, with even edges. 
My observations, in a considerable number of cases, have shown 



THE CATTLE PLAGUE. 679 

that on the inner surface of the lips, on the inside of the nostrils, 
and other parts of the mucous membrane, there are at first scarcely 
visible whitish opaque specks, about the size of a small pin's head. 
These are the starting-points for the softening and desquamation 
of epithelium, which results in the dirtyish-yellow, flaky appear- 
ance in some of the worst cases. 

When a number of milch cows has to be examined, one of the 
first symptoms to look for is redness, and a mottled appearance 
of the lining membrane of the vulva and vagina. Animals in 
apparently perfect health, eating well, ruminating, yielding a full 
quantity of milk, are seen to have a reddened condition of the 
mucous membrane of the external organs of generation. The 
redness of the vagina also occurs in animals that have recently 
calved, and it is important to guard against this source of fallacy. 
In many cases the continuous rigors, and singular muscular 
twitchings of the face, ears, and neck, may be regarded as char- 
acteristic. They are not, however, so typical as the discharge 
from the eyes and nose, which soon appears, and which, from 
being glary and watery, changes shortly to a turbid secretion. 
No symptoms can better illustrate the care required in diagnosis 
than the discharge both from the eyes and nose. A marked 
symptom is restlessness, lying down and rising again; sometimes 
looking round to the flank, and by drawing the hind legs forward, 
denoting more or less colic or abdominal pain. Animals often lie 
on the left side, with the head stretched across the right flank. 
Severe diarrhea sets in, and the animal becomes very thirsty. 
Emphysematous (windy) swellings are apt to form at this period, 
and there are exacerbations (violent) of all the symptoms toward 
night-time. The discharges are all fetid, especially in severe 
cases. The urine is rather scanty, and generally, if not always, 
albuminous. This stage lasts about three days. The symptoms 
increase in severity. The dysentery is aggravated, and the animal 
becomes extremely weak ; it stands and walks with difficulty, and 
lies much. The pulse becomes feeble and indistinct at the jaw; 
it beats from 90 to 130 per minute. The discharge from the eyes, 
nose, and vagina increases; the cough becomes less audible and 
soft. On the buccal and schneiderian membranes, as well as in 
the clefts of the feet, there is a deep redness, with flaky discharge 
of epithelium. The muzzle, angles of the mouth, and membrane 
round the nasal orifices are sometimes ulcerated, with a greenish- 



680 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

yellow and somewhat dense granular and epithelial deposit. On 
opening the mouth, a similar change about the base of the tongue 
and on the inside of the lips is often found. The coldness of the 
extremities, or of the body generally, the stupor or drowsiness, 
quick breathing, and fetor of the exhalations, with spasmodic 
action of the alse nasi, jerking respiration, and moaning, are among 
the most unfavorable symptoms. The feces, at first dark, become 
slimy, charged with masses of detached epithelium, are very fetid, 
and are more or less tinged with blood. The urine acquires a 
dark color, due to the coloring principles of bile. Cows abort, 
and all symptoms of sensibility or consciousness gradually dis- 
appear. 

I have seen many cases which presented, from the earliest mo- 
ment, great disturbance of the organs of respiration. A hacking 
cough, depressed and protruded head, spasmodic action of the nos- 
trils and flanks, indicate serious pulmonary lesions. Emphysema 
takes place, and usually begins in the anterior lobes. Dr. Weber 
remarks that the anterior intercostal spaces become somewhat 
fixed, whereas the posterior true ribs are raised with an effort, 
and sink rapidly. On percussion, the thorax is found to be very 
resonant, and this resonance becomes greater as the emphysema 
increases. On auscultation, rales of various pitches are heard, 
either accompanying the vesicular murmur or superseding it. The 
heart's sounds become inaudible, and impulse imperceptible on 
the left side. As death approaches, the mucous membranes often 
acquire a leaden hue ; the erosions (ulcerations) are marked, and 
blood-spots, or ecchymoses, occur. The partially open and dark 
red or otherwise discolored aspect of the inner surface of the lips 
or the vulva can not fail to be noticed at this stage. The invol- 
untary evacuation of excrement, extreme fetor of all discharges, 
tendency to tympanitis, muscular twitching, lowering of temper- 
ature, and increasing listlessness betoken the approach of death. 

In some cases there are signs of improvement about the third 
day, and then a relapse occurs. Animals may become quite con- 
valescent; but still the gastric or intestinal lesions advance, and 
when least expected, a fortnight or three weeks after marked im- 
provement, alarming symptoms supervene, severe diarrhea occurs 
with the return of other discharges, and the animal soon sinks 
and dies. 

In favorable cases we find a cutaneous eruption on various parts 



THE CATTLE PLAGUE. 681 

of the skin, especially on the neck, back, and teats, not unlike 
cow-pox. There are instances of severe illness and death with 
tjiis eruption, and, indeed, in bad cases, we sometimes find a dirty- 
yellow appearance of the skin of the back, and a desquamation of 
epidermis, which indicates a morbid process of the skin, similar 
to that affecting the mucous membranes. The surface of the skin 
over the neck and withers is often moist or greasy from an abun- 
dant sebaceous secretion. There are no vesicles, and an entire 
absence, as a rule, of pustules. Convalescence is indicated by a 
certain vivacity, return of appetite, equable temperature of the 
body and extremities, restored secretion of milk, moist muzzle, 
and other well-known signs of health. 

As with other fevers, we find in the rinderpest a marked peri- 
odicity in its manifestations. Improvement in the morning, vio- 
lence of symptoms at night ; a distinct subdivision of an attack 
into stages, and, from the date of the crisis, either sudden aggra- 
vation or gradual abatement of alarming symptoms. There are, 
at times, chronic cases, as in lung disease, and animals get into a 
hectic state, out of which they can not be rallied. It is, therefore, 
evident that the duration of the malady varies. I have seen ani- 
mals dead in the evening which had only indicated active signs 
of the complaint for the first time during the early part of the 
same day. As a rule, death occurs from the third to the sixth day. 

Symptoms in the Sheep. — The cattle plague among sheep is 
characterized by comparatively mild symptoms, and frequently 
speedy restoration to health. In 1857, Dr. Kreutzer first de- 
scribed the symptoms of the cattle plague as observed on a sheep 
which had been inoculated on the 1st of October. The period of 
incubation lasted till the 9th, and was followed by general dis- 
turbance, discharge from eyes and nose, prostration, moaning and 
diarrhea. The animal died on the 13th. Dr. Maresch observed 
the disease more carefully from 1860 to 1863, and since then much 
information has been obtained. The period of incubation extends 
usually to seven or eight days ; languor and dullness appear, with 
redness and prominence of the conjunctiva at the inner angle of 
the eye. There is a yellow discharge which trickles down the 
face, and a viscid phlegm flows from the nostrils; the head droops, 
and there is grinding of teeth ; the appetite is diminished and 
capricious; rumination, suspended; feces, thinnish, and partly 
adhering to the hind legs and tail ; there is an occasional cough, 



682 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

with frequent pulse and labored breathing; the pulse rises from 
120 to 160 beats per minute. Ewes not unfrequently abort, or 
bring forth weakly lambs, which afterward rally. It is not at all 
unusual for the disease to cease at this period, and the animals to 
recover rapidly. In other cases the diarrhea increases; there is 
painful straining, or tenesmus, panting respiration, very feeble 
pulse, and the animal sinks. Great weakness, awkward gait, and 
somewhat severe nervous or convulsive symptoms mark fatal 
cases, when death occurs about the fourth, fifth, or sixth day from 
the commencement of the disease. When a case takes the more 
usual and favorable turn, there is more liveliness, improved appe- 
tite, restored rumination, less discharge from the eyes and nose, 
and diminished frequency of pulse and respirations. The animals 
are quite Convalescent in from ten to fourteen days. In some 
cases, such as those observed by Dr. Leicht in 1860, the disease 
is more rapid. The animals stagger, lie down much, shake their 
heads, have a dense discharge from the eyes, are subject to diar- 
rhea, and die, sometimes, within twenty-four hours of the first 
appearance of premonitory signs. 

There are as great variations in the symptoms in sheep as there 
are among cattle. Some cases differ from those described above, 
as the animals stand, are dull, and keep apart from the flock ; there 
is no appetite, no rumination; constipation at first, followed by 
diarrhea ; arched back ; elevated temperature of the skin ; eyes 
sunken and discharging ; from the nose a quantity of dense, gray- 
ish-yellow, flaky matter drops, and the mucous membranes of the 
mouth and nose are reddened, showing erosions and desquamations 
of epithelium; the breathing and pulse are accelerated; there is 
pain on pressing the loins, and, at last, general prostration. 

Special Symptoms in cases of Cattle Plague coupled with Pleuro- 
pneumonia. — The animals seized with the two diseases at once 
are observed to suffer from greater prostration and more labored 
breathing at the outset. The short grunt of lung disease begins 
early ; there is a spasmodic action of the nostrils, and, on auscul- 
tation, the impervious condition of the portion of the diseased lung 
is ascertained. Any one acquainted with the two diseases can read- 
ily recognize such cases. 

Special Symptoms in cases of Cattle Plague coupled with the 
Foot and Mouth Disease. — It is more difficult to diagnose rinder- 
pest in its earliest stages when epizootic aphtha has attacked a 



THE CATTLE PLAGUE. 683 

herd. Smacking of the lips, eruption, and salivation exist; biit 
the greatest reliance is to be placed in the usual lameness and 
morbid condition of the feet in foot and mouth disease, as also the 
usual eruption on the teats, and tendency to congestion and in- 
flammation of the udder. When the cattle plague advances, there 
is the shivering, discharge from the eyes and nose, the diarrhea 
and prostration not usually seen in epizootic aphtha. 

The Nature of the Cattle Plague. — From all that has been said 
in the preceding pages, it is evident that the murrain of the steppes 
is not typhus, nor is it the typhoid or enteric fever which we ob- 
serve in man. Not only is it distinct in its origin, progress, and 
essential nature from any known contagious disease of the human 
subject, but it is, undoubtedly, a specific bovine fever, manifesting 
all its characteristic features in horned cattle alone, though expe- 
rience has proved that there are circumstances under which the 
plague may be communicated to the buffalo, goat, sheep, deer, 
gazelle, zebu, yak, auroch, ibex, and other wild ruminants. One 
experiment, performed by myself, proves the communication of the 
disease to the deer ; but it is remarkable that until the recent out- 
break of rinderpest in the gardens of the Paris Acclimatization 
Society, in the Bois de Boulogne, it was not known that the ma- 
jority of wild ruminants could catch the disease and suffer from 
it in a virulent form. It never attacks men, horses, dogs, and, 
indeed, the great majority of warm-blooded animals; and it is 
worthy of special remark that the virulent animal poison, which 
is the active agent in the development and propagation of the 
malady, originates in the system of the ox, is perpetuated in 
countries where herds of cattle abound, and is not to be found 
where bovine animals are wanting. The history of the cattle 
plague clearly indicates that the disease has been always recognized 
as attacking horned stock almost exclusively, and that it spreads 
from country to country through the trade in cattle or the trans- 
port of oxen in the rear of armies. The poison does pass through 
the system of some ruminants besides those of the bovine race, but 
it appears to be deprived of much of its force until it returns to 
members of the ox tribe. 

The cattle plague is not a local disorder ; it is not an affection 
of any special organ or group of organs. It is a systemic disease 
a fever in which the mucous membranes and skin are specially 
implicated. There are important local and characteristic mani- 



684 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

festations, usually most marked in the mouth, fourth stomach, and 
intestines, in the organs of generation, and frequently in the re- 
spiratory passages. It is, however, something different, and some- 
thing more than an inflammation of the breathing, or digestive, 
or generative systems. The cell growth, fatty and molecular dis- 
integrations, desquamation, and discharge of the epithelial and 
epidermic cells, are typical of this disease. In this way it can 
only be classified among general diseases, with fevers of a specific 
kind, and which originate from specific causes, run a definite 
course, manifest a singular periodicity in their progress, and have 
a marked tendency to destroy life. 

The pathological process, observed from first to last, indicates 
an early development of severe febrile disturbance. All the func- 
tions are modified. The temperature of the body fast rises ; gen- 
eral functional disturbance soon follows, and the blood loses its 
watery parts and soluble albumen, indicating, also, a large increase 
in the proportion of blood-corpuscles and fibrine to serum. The 
process of assimilation is checked ; the large reservoirs in which 
the food is prepared for true gastric and intestinal digestion be- 
come torpid ; the rumen, reticulum, and omasum retain a large 
quantity of solid food, and their movements are stopped ; the 
fourth stomach ceases to secrete gastric juice, its epithelium is 
thrown off, a morbid cellular deposit clogs the gastric glands, and 
the proper preparation of aliment for intestinal digestion can no 
longer occur. The intestine is the seat of inflammation and ex- 
travasation; its contents indicate the drain of the blood of its 
soluble albumen and other products; the intestinal epithelium is 
rapidly ejected, and, in some cases, many of the glands become 
clogged with a deposit similar to that which is found in the folli- 
cles of the gastric mucous membrane. A free suppuration is no- 
where witnessed, but discharges flow from the mucous membranes, 
and are highly charged with epithelial cells and the specific virus 
of the disease. The rapidity and completeness of the general 
functional disturbance is indicated not only by the checked pro- 
cess of assimilation, the nature of the intestinal contents, and the 
general implication of the mucous membranes, but it is recognized 
on an examination of the albuminous and dark-colored urine, the 
disposition to early putrefaction, fetor of the secretions, etc. All 
shows that the cattle plague poison speedily induces in the system of 
a susceptible animal changes which defy the successful use of medi- 



THE CATTLE PLAGUE. 685 

cine, and which must inevitably result in death. Like most ani- 
mal poisons, the rinderpest virus is reproduced with marvelous 
rapidity in, and discharged abundantly from, the bodies of sick 
animals. The breath of a sick ox inspired by a healthy animal, 
and the solid products of the disease, seem to be alike capable of 
inducing the malady ; and antidotes are applied too late when an 
attempt is made to reach the poison in the animal's system. I 
know of no antidote to be used internally. Agents are employed 
which, when directly mixed with the virus, kill it; and caustic 
alkalies, mineral acids, chlorine, iodine, carbolic acid, creosote, 
the alkaline permanganates, and other oxidizing or decomposing 
agents, render it perfectly inert. I have no faith in our ever 
reaching the virus with effect in the living animal. We must 
not even expect too much from the system of treating certain 
symptoms during the progress of the disease, which is frequently 
confounded by the unskilled with the effectual treatment of the 
disease itself. A large proportion of animals seized must always 
die. A certain percentage will always recover, and this depends 
on the severity of the attack, the constitutional resistance of the 
animals seized, and the consequent extent and rapidity of the 
morbid changes which occur. 

Treatment. — The steppe murrain is essentially one of those dis- 
eases for which prevention is better than attempted cure. Urgently 
enforcing this doctrine has cost me the good opinion of some, who, 
without duly considering the importance of slaughtering the dis- 
eased and infected animals for the protection of many untainted 
herds, argue that it is not scientific to exterminate the malady by 
destroying diseased animals. The cattle plague can be prevented 
and can be extinguished, at comparatively small cost and with the 
greatest certainty, in countries such as England. Whatever ten- 
tative trials are made as to treatment, this fact must ultimately 
reveal itself, that it is impossible to deal with outbreaks of rinder- 
pest by administering drugs. I hold it to be eminently scientific 
to act on our knowledge of the cause of any disease ; and, know- 
ing, from lengthened experience, how easily disseminated and ma- 
lignant cattle plague virus is, it has been my duty to insist on its 
early and complete destruction, so that it should never reach the 
systems of herds of animals, in which, when it has once entered, 
it can not be counteracted by any known antidote. 

The cattle plague is not so deadly in its effects as equine glan- 



686 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

ders, cancer, or well-developed human phthisis; but no known 
remedy restores an animal once severely attacked, and the admin- 
istration of medicine is, as a rule, not required to save the small 
percentage which may recover. As, however, the malady has been 
suffered to spread, veterinarians are called upon to adopt means 
of cure. With a view, therefore, to indicate what has been sug- 
gested and what may be attempted, I shall draw attention to the 
following points: 

Precautions to be observed so as to prevent the 
spread of disease from a herd under treatment. 

Hygienic management. 

Medicinal agents used. 

Methods of treatment suggested at various times in 
this country and abroad. 

Precautions to be observed so as to Prevent the Spread of Disease 
from a herd under Treatment. — Diseased cattle should be placed for 
treatment in warm and detached buildings where proper ventila- 
tion, drainage, and facilities for feeding can be obtained. They 
should not be left in the fields, and are best kept entirely in the 
house until perfectly recovered. The sheds should be kept clean, 
frequently disinfected, and every particle of urine and excrement 
must be disinfected by means of chlorinated lime. People attend- 
ing the stock must be kept there for that purpose, and not allowed 
to rove about and go on other farms, or to fairs and markets. All 
dogs should be tied up, and every attention paid to cleanliness 
with other stock and in farm-yards generally. Dirt and negli- 
gence are great propagators of the cattle plague. It is impossible 
to be too clean or too careful in avoiding the carriage of tainted 
objects from an infected to a healthy farm or district. 

Hygienic Management. — This is of far greater importance than 
any medicine or system of medication hitherto recommended ; and 
I have to direct the attention of my professional brethren to sev- 
eral points of incalculable importance. It is not desirable to have 
many animals in the same shed when under treatment, and several 
attendants are essential, so that proper care be taken of the cattle. 
When a large stock has to be treated, the labor and trouble is 
enormous; it will not do, therefore, to trust to a few attendants, 
who get tired and faint-hearted over their work, especially when 
the number of animals recovering is not large. If possible, it is 
undoubtedly best to have the animals loose ; but this can only be 



THE CATTLE PLAGUE. 687 

secured where isolated cases are under treatment. "With forty or 
fifty beasts sick at one time, loose boxes can not usually be obtained ; 
and it is not desirable to keep many sick animals loose in a yard. 
As a rule, in winter all the animals should be clothed, lightly, but 
sufficiently, so as to favor cutaneous exhalation. The shed is best 
kept at a proper and never-varying temperature, not exceeding 
58° Fahrenheit. Proper ventilation is indispensable to recovery, 
and heat must not be purchased at the expense of atmospheric 
purity. Clothe the animals rather than close the aperatures made 
for the purposes of ventilation. In order to secure purity of the 
atmosphere, every attention should be paid to sweeping away ex- 
crement and washing the stalls thoroughly by means of common 
soda and water. The use of chlorinated lime is not to be advocated 
where stock is under treatment, as the chlorine gas induces great 
disturbance, irritation of the respiratory passages, and a trouble- 
some cough. I prefer cleanliness and abundance of fresh air where 
the cattle are actually diseased, to any system of disinfectants, and 
the chlorinated lime is best used to disinfect the manure-heap and 
other objects outside the shed containing the sick. The food al- 
lowed to animals varies much according to circumstances. During 
the various stages of acute disease it should be given sparingly. 
At first linseed tea or linseed gruel, well boiled, may serve as a 
laxative, with or without medicine. Linseed is not to be con- 
tinued when purging begins ; well-boiled oatmeal gruel should then 
be substituted for it. The oatmeal gruel, which is perhaps the 
best nutritive material to be given from first to last, is made by 
taking a peck of meal for every three or four animals, and adding 
some cold water. Boiling water is then mixed and stirred with the 
whole, until it acquires a proper consistency to be poured through 
a towel or sieve; and thus all the coarser and more indigestible 
portions of the meal are removed. The gruel is boiled for at least 
ten minutes or a quarter of an hour, and is used warm. About 
half a gallon of it may be given three or four times daily ; and if 
the cattle drink it voluntarily, so much the better. Badly-made 
oatmeal gruel irritates the stomach and intestines, and aggravates 
the diarrhea. When animals are severely affected they do not 
eat ; but if they have any appetite, well-boiled mashes should be 
made for them. Of these we can suggest a great variety, such as 
steeping barley for a time, throwing off the water, adding fresh, 
and boiling the barley; the whole is then allowed to rest for 



688 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

awhile, and bran is mixed with it, as well as a certain quantity 
of well-boiled turnips. The mash must be moderately salted. 
The barley may be replaced by brewer's grains, and a moderate 
quantity of bean or peasemeal — say half a pound of the latter 
morning and night. One of the best managers of cows I ever 
knew made, for every sick animal that would eat, a mash of four 
handfuls of bran, four of brewer's draff, one pound of peasemeal, 
and two pounds of well-boiled mashed turnips. This was given 
thrice daily to each animal. Cattle have been fed on milk, soups, 
etc., but not with the same benefit as with vegetable food which 
was properly cooked, and not allowed to get sour. Great modera- 
tion in diet is essential. The sick cattle must have cold water to 
drink in small quantities, and at least every two hours. Their 
mouths are parched, and .great benefit is derived from frequent 
allowances of fresh water, which may be acidulated with a little 
vinegar, or given alone. All animals under treatment must" be 
kept scrupulously clean, and are benefited by brushing, washing, 
hand-rubbing, bandaging the legs, etc. As a means of insuring 
cleanliness and action of the skin, I think it is very probable that 
the hot-air bath, when at hand, may be of great service, as also 
the vapor bath or the wet packing, used occasionally. 

Medicines, — The plan principally adopted in the treatment of 
cattle suffering from steppe murrian has consisted in giving so- 
lutions, mixtures, and powders, either alone or in food. There 
are various ways, however, which might be resorted to, and per- 
haps with benefit, and which would effectually set aside some of 
the uncertain and often injurious administration of draughts. In 
order to explain myself fully on this subject, I shall consider the 
various methods by which remedies may be given internally. 

Administration by the Mouth. — It is often possible, in the early 
stage of disease, and in favorable cases when appetite returns in 
the later stages, to give animals tasteless or palatable drugs in 
food, and this is by far the best plan. The frequent, troublesome, 
and somewhat dangerous drenching to which sick cattle are sub- 
jected, should, if possible, be dispensed with. I have seen so 
many animals tormented and injured by the administration of 
medicines, treacle, gruel, and other liquids, that I venture to 
make a few remarks on the operation of giving a draught. In 
the first place, glass bottles are dangerous ; and nothing is so use- 
ful as a horn of proper shape, or a tin instrument made in the 



THE CATTLE PLAGUE. 689 

shape of a horn, with its mouth well rounded off. The operator 
should go up to the right side of the animal, pass his hand over 
the face into the angle of the mouth on the left side. The head 
is bent round, not elevated, except to a very slight extent ; and if 
the person giving the draught plants his feet well on the ground, 
with his back against the animal's shoulder, he can steady him- 
self well, and, holding the horn or other instrument charged with 
the draught in his right hand, he can pour it by degrees into the 
animal's mouth. It has often pained me to see sick cattle seized 
by the nose, and, with their heads drawn up and necks stretched 
out, required to gulp down a quantity of liquid which can not be 
conveniently swallowed in such a position. Often have I seen an 
animal get worse after such treatment, and the passage of medi- 
cine into the windpipe and lungs was not unfrequently the cause 
of aggravated symptoms. One great objection to the adminis- 
tration of draughts when an animal is suffering from the cattle 
plague is, that they accumulate in the rumen, do not reach the 
true stomach until the diarrhea, inseparable from the disease, sets 
in, and then the accumulated drugs exert a most prejudicial in- 
fluence. It is incredible how long a vast amount of medicine, 
and very acrid, irritating medicine, too, may remain unchanged, 
unabsorbed, and inactive in the paunch of an ox, which is usually 
full of vegetable food throughout the progress of an attack of the 
plague. 

Administration by the Rectum. — Injections, given carefully with 
an enema funnel, have the benefit of creating little disturbance, 
and the power of solution and absorption of remedies is probably 
as great, if not greater, in the rectum during this disease as in 
the stomach and small intestine. Simple warm- water injections, 
cathartic, stimulating, sedative, and even nutritive enemata, de- 
serve a fair trial, and as much good may be anticipated from them 
as from the administration of draughts. 

Subcutaneous Injections. — Various medicinal agents have been 
effectually introduced into the system by being injected into the 
open tissue beneath the skin. This plan can be adopted if such 
remedies as tincture of aconite, solutions of belladonna, of various 
alkaloids, and other agents which do not irritate and inflame the 
tissue, are used. 

Injection into Veins. — The principal object in view in resorting 
to this operation would be to try the effect of injecting about a 
44 



690 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

pint or a quart of water, at 100° Fahrenheit, after abstracting a sim- 
ilar quantity of blood from one of the jugular veins. The operation 
should be tried in the early stage of the disease, and the result 
usually observed is purgation, action of the kidneys, and free ex- 
halation from the skin. The system might thus be prepared for 
any further course of treatment. The operation is simple, and 
unattended with bad results. 

External Applications. — The method of applying heat, cold ru- 
befacients, and blisters to the surface of the skin is too well known 
to deserve any lengthened description. Dashing cold water over 
the body, and then using towels and wisps of hay to dry and warm 
the animal, has been often recommended. The vapor bath, by 
covering the animal, head excepted, with woolen rugs, fixed out 
by sticks, etc., and then heating the air between the rugs and the 
skin by a spirit or gas-lamp, has been suggested. If mustard 
poultices are used, they should be large, warm, and applied with 
a rug to the body, so as to be kept on for three or four hours. 
Rugs dipped in boiling water, wrung out thoroughly, and applied 
to the abdomen, have been resorted to. 

Inter nal Remedies. — A close observation of the treatment adopted 
by empirics has led me to the conclusion that no remedy, or class 
of remedies, can be regarded as absolutely efficacious in any real 
case of rinderpest. Some animals recover despite the mode of 
treatment, but the majority die. I shall here notice some of the 
principal remedial agents used by myself and others under va- 
rious heads. 

Most veterinarians consider that the over-distended stomachs 
and the marked constipation should be relieved. From the fact 
that the omasum is loaded with dry food, even in the later stages 
of cases attended by great diarrhea, it is believed by some that 
smart and early purging is desirable. Full quantities of Epsom 
salts, linseed oil, and even croton oil, have been given, and a very 
common result of drastic cathartic doses is to induce an early and 
very fatal diarrhea. There are more advocates for mild laxatives, 
such as treacle, small and repeated doses of sulphate of soda, sul- 
phur, and oil. I have treated many cases successfully without 
attempting to relax the bowels, and have certainly had as much 
success then as when either mild or active purgatives have been 
prescribed. A purgative which may be used advantageously is 
the following : 



THE CATTLE PLAGUE. 691 

No. 137. Sulphate of magnesia 12 oz. 

Sulphur 4 oz. 

Spirits of nitric ether 1 oz. 

Niter , -| oz. 

Water 1 quart. 

As this is not apt to induce much purgation, a bottle of linseed 
oil may be given after it. Oil of turpentine, to the extent of two 
or four ounces, has been given with a quart bottle of linseed oil, 
and with good effect when no other purgative has been admin- 
istered. 

I think that injections have been too much overlooked in the 
treatment of this disease. They may be given at first to move 
the bowels, and various forms of medicated or nutritive injections 
might prove of service. When the diarrhea comes on, and there 
is some tenesmus, an injection may be given of one pint of starch 
emulsion, containing one ounce of laudanum, to be repeated, if 
necessary. It is desirable to guard against irritation of the rec- 
tum as a result of frequent enemata. 

Niter has been extensively used during the present outbreak, 
and in considerable doses, with a view to aid in the elimination 
of the virus. It is apt to weaken, and must be prescribed in 
moderation. Tt has no specific action of value. Oil of turpen- 
tine, which is a stimulant as well as diuretic, has been strongly 
recommended by some, in ounce and two ounce doses. 

Warm clothing, the application of heat to the skin by means 
of heating the air, confined with woolen covers arranged round 
the animal, and the internal use of liquor ammoniac acetatis, oil 
of turpentine, and other agents calculated to excite perspiration, 
have been most strongly advocated. I undoubtedly prefer to ex- 
cite the action of the skin by raising the temperature of the air 
rather than by the employment of internal remedies, which often 
act feebly and very imperfectly on the lower animals. 

Stimulants have had their strong advocates. I have given 
whisky, brandy, spirits of wine, in two ounce doses, every two or 
three hours, and some animals have recovered while others have 
died. Carbonate of ammonia, in half ounce doses, has been largely 
employed, and seems to agree as well as any thing with the sick 
animals. Strong ale, porter, port wine, and other more or less 
active beverages containing alcohol, have been principally used 
when animals have been convalescent. 

I have not resorted to sedatives to any great extent in this 



692 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

malady. Tincture of aconite, in thirty-drop doses, has been ad- 
ministered at frequent intervals. Extract of belladonna and 
considerable doses of opium have been chosen from among nar- 
cotic remedies as affording the best chance of regulating, at dif- 
ferent times, the condition of the bowels. 

Nitrate of potash, chlorate of potash, and acetate of ammonia, 
have been freely administered, and, in some cases, with apparently 
good effect. These agents are almost exclusively relied on in 
certain febrile disorders from their action on the blood, and the 
favorable effects they induce in activating the secretion of the 
skin, kidneys, and mucous membranes generally. They are ad- 
ministered singly or combined, in moderate and repeated doses, 
with or without carbonate of ammonia, and dissolved in a consid- 
erable quantity of water. 

Mineral and vegetable tonics are used with benefit in the con- 
valescent state, and, if net given in large doses, so as to induce 
derangement of the stomach and bowels, they accelerate the return 
to health in a very decided manner. Vegetable tonics, such as 
chinchona bark in decoction, or infusion of gentian, are given about 
an hour before feeding-time, and serve to stimulate the appetite. 
Of all the mineral tonics, sulphate of iron is the best, and should 
be given in drachm doses in food. Preparations of iron have 
been supposed to act powerfully as prophylactics, and for this 
purpose I recommended them when I first recognized the exist- 
ence of the disease in the country. 

Mineral acids have claimed a great share of attention, and I 
have been in the habit of using them freely. Hydrochloric acid, 
largely diluted, has lately been vaunted as a specific. Sulphuric 
acid has been more frequently used. Nitromuriatic acid is ser- 
viceable in the convalescent stage. 

Methods of treatment may be classified under two heads — Pre- 
ventive and Curative Treatment. 

Preventive Treatment. — A somewhat rational plan, recommended 
from the commencement, was the daily administration of tonics, 
in addition to proper feeding, ventilation, and use of disinfectants. 
Iron has proved so useful in my own practice during outbreaks 
of contagious diseases, that, in a circular entitled "Advice to 
Owners of Cattle," dated the 3d of August, I said : " The ad- 
ministration of tonics in moderation, and especially preparations 
of iron, may be recommended for all cattle that have been acci- 



THE CATTLE PLAGUE. 693 

dentally subjected to the contact of infected animals. All should 
be done to support the animal's strength, that it may withstand 
the disorder." Shortly afterward, the British Consul at Warsaw 
brought to the notice of the British Government, in the month of 
August, a remedy for the rinderpest, adopted with much success 
in Poland, in 1857: "The putting of old iron into the troughs 
from which the cattle drink, so as to produce a highly chalybeate 
water. The efficacy of this mode of treatment is said to have 
been discovered by the almost entire immunity from the disease, 
in 1857, of the cattle on a farm where there was a chalybeate 
spring." An observer recommends a plentiful supply of bruised 
oak bark as a great preserver, and fresh-powdered carbonate of 
ammonia, dissolved in about the proportion of a tea-spoonful to a 
quart of the water supplied to the cattle, to keep their blood pure 
and in a state to resist infection. Sulphurous acid and its salts 
have been strongly advocated, and Dr. Druitt, Dr. Smart, Dr. 
"Wilkinson, and others, have recommended daily doses of hypo- 
sulphite of soda to healthy cattle in infected districts. The use 
of vinegar has also been suggested. Two calves were placed 
among a number of diseased cows, and had a wine-glassful of 
vinegar in a pint of water twice a day ; they also had their eyes 
and nostrils sponged with the same mixture, with complete suc- 
cess. Tar-water, made of the best Barbae! oes tar and capsicum, 
was also suggested. Hot tar was to be painted on the cribs and 
mangers, and a little tar was to be smeared on each nostril, and 
upon every foot, and between each hoof. 

Curative Treatment. — It is difficult to classify the many extra- 
ordinary methods of treatment suggested since the 1st of August 
last for the treatment of steppe murrain. Advocates of hot-air 
and vapor baths have been very positive in their statements, some, 
like Mr. R. Monteith, insisting on the value of the first, and 
others asserting their firm belief in the second, especially in com- 
bination with other remedies. The vapor bath is an old method 
of treatment, said to originate with the celebrated Thaer, the 
father of scientific agriculture in Germany, who is reported to 
have applied it with signal success during the murrain year of 
1828. A large copper kettle is sunk in the earth and filled with 
water. A strong fire is then kindled underneath the kettle, over 
which perforated boards have been laid. When the water boils, 
the sick animal is placed on the boards and covered with a woolen 



694 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

cloth, and a linen one above it. The animal is kept there from 
half to one hour, then rubbed dry, kept warm, and allowed hay 
and gruel. Great attention was paid to this method of treatment 
by a Russian farmer, who explained it, in a letter to our Ambas- 
sador at the Court of the Czar, Sir A. Buchanan, which was 
forwarded in a dispatch to Earl Russell, on the 3d of October, 
1865. Mr. Feuling, the gentleman in question, spoke confi- 
dently of the value of the vapor bath ; and the faith in the remedy 
increased when Mr. Graham, of Capellie, near Glasgow, detailed 
recoveries under the following system. Mr. Graham adminis- 
tered 

No. 138. Sulphur 3 table-spoonfuls. 

Niter 3 table-spoonfuls. 

Ginger J table-spoonful. 

Treacle 1 pound. 

In warm water. 

The animal was to be packed in three heavy horse-rugs, well 
saturated with cold water, and three other rugs were wrapped 
over them. In a letter to Sir Fitzroy Kelly, Dr. Druitt 
enters somewhat fully into the kind of remedies which may be 
found serviceable in the treatment of the plague, and his observa- 
tions are condensed in the subjoined note: 

"In any zymotic disease, the first question is, Can we stop it? 
Can we put out the fire? Have we any medicines capable of 
summarily checking the disease before it comes to the point at 
which it is naturally spent? We wish we had, but have not. 
Providence will show us the way some day, if we exert ourselves ; 
but at present the only fevers which we can cut short are the ma- 
larious ones — ague, remittent, jungle fevers, etc. — against which we 
have quinine, arsenic, and other tonics. We have not at present 
any remedies on which we can rely for cutting short any true 
zymotic disease, such as small-pox, chicken-pox, measles, scarlet 
fever, typhoid, typhus, whooping-cough, and all that other dreary 
catalogue ; but if we are to make experiments on the rinderpest, 
there are two or three glimmers of light to guide us. Supposing 
that we seek for remedies for the early stage. To cut the disease 
short, deliberate trials should be made — first, into the various 
alkaloids, amorphous or crystallized, produced from chinchona 
bark, of which quinine is the chief. But there are many others, 
such as chinchonine, chinchonidine, and quinidine, which are got 



THE CATTLE PLAGUE. 695 

from the bark, which may now, or will soon be, obtained abun- 
dantly in India, and which are cheaper. We have just as much 
reason, and no more, to expect these substances to cure the cattle 
plague as the Spanish pilgrims had, three centuries ago, to expect 
the bark to cure the Countess of Chinchon's ague. It was a fair 
experiment, which succeeded. Certainly, large doses of these al- 
kaloids ought to be well tried. If we give six doses, of ten grains 
each, to a man weighing one hundred and sixty pounds, we ought 
to -give in the same proportion per weight to a cow. Secondly, 
there are various combinations of bitters, astringents, and aro- 
matics, with stimulants. When they could get no Peruvian bark 
on the continent, during the war with France, combinations of 
alum, oak bark, gentian, and aromatics were used, with more or 
less success, for their malarious fevers. Thirdly, there are certain 
saline matters, such as nitrate of potass and chlorate of potass, 
antimony, purgatives, etc., which have more or less virtue in al- 
laying some feverish symptoms, but which are not to be relied on 
in any zymotic or malarious disease. Lastly, there are stimulants 
which may be tried in the commencement of the attack with the 
hope of enabling the animal to shake oif the disease, even as a 
glass of hot brandy-and-water, Turkish bath, and other excitants, 
may, as I believe, enable man to shake off the earliest stage of 
influenza. So far, then, as remedies are concerned which tend to 
cut the disease short, experience bids us look for specifics among 
the quinine group. And it is experience only that can teach us. 
But, confessing that we are unable to deal with the disease in its 
essence, there is a very great deal we can do in the way of miti- 
gating its local effects— of keeping up the strength, of preventing 
the patient being poisoned by the poisonous secretions generated 
within her own system ; of checking exhausting discharges ; and 
of rendering those secretions innoxious to other animals. It 
must, however, be borne in mind that while we speak of the 
different stages of the disease, and can always separate them in 
idea, they may be all so crowded together that it may be necessary 
to begin at the very outset with the treatment adapted for pre- 
venting local ravages and intestinal infection. Now, the chief 
local effects produced by the rinderpest are a softened, congested 
state of the mucous membrane of the alimentary canal, with copi- 
ous fetid discharge from the bowels ; and the most likely class of 
remedies are those which will restrain this discharge, and so pre- 



696 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

vent it from draining the patient, and which shall deprive it of 
its poisonous qualities, and thus hinder it from doing mischief to 
the patient, or, if voided, from contaminating other animals. If 
putrid excretions be poured out in the bowels of any animal, they 
poison the animal's blood, cause all fresh food to be tainted, 
and, when voided, they are the source of contagion to others. 
Now, then, we seek a remedy which shall not be poisonous in 
itself, which shall have tonic or nutritive virtues, which shall 
restrain excessive discharges, and which shall have the power -of 
deodorizing and disinfecting the contents of the alimentary canal. 
Such a remedy is the tincture of sesquichloride of iron. The 
mineral acids, well diluted — as the nitric, muriatic, and sul- 
phuric — do in a lesser degree what the tincture of steel does. 
Their influence in atonic diarrhea is marvelous; and we ought 
to know their results in the rinderpest. Small quantities of 
opium may be added. The trisnitrate of bismuth, in ounce doses, 
would deodorize the alimentary canal, and soothe it and restrain 
diarrhea. I have published cases showing how, in threatened 
ulceration of the bowels, the human alimentary canal may be 
quieted by adequate doses of this excellent drug. Sulphate of 
potass, and other compounds of sulphurous acid, have great virtue 
in checking fermentation, and have been proposed by Polli as 
remedies in zymotic fevers. We want experiments with large 
doses of these. But I suspect they are of more value as prevent- 
ives than as curatives — to disinfect unwholesome water, to rinse 
the mouths of animals exposed to contagion, and the like. There 
is the class of creosotes — medicines, such as carbolic acid, which 
check fermentation, act as antiseptics and deodorizers, and are 
capital in certain cases of dyspepsia and diarrhea. Here, then, 
we have half-a-dozen remedies, and the example I have given 
from practice on man shows the precise method in which good 
results are to be looked for. I reiterate again the necessity of 
disinfecting the whole tract of bowels, of restraining discharge, 
and of rendering the fecal matter innoxious to the patient and 
her neighbors — all this, too, as a means of helping the patient to 
live through her disease till its fury be overpast. Whisky, sweet 
spirits of niter, beef-tea, and other nourishment, should be given 
freely. There are other remedies, too, as yeast, in large quantities, 
whose modus operandi is probably that of an antiseptic, and others. 
Enough if I can succeed in inducing any one, who can do so with 



THE CATTLE PLAGUE. 697 

safety, to make a resolute series of experiments on diseased ani- 
mals." A veterinary chemist recommends : 

No. 139. Chlorate of potash 1 oz. 

Nitrate of potash 1 oz. 

Strong muriatic acid 1 dr. 

Powdered opium 1 dr. 

Decoction of linseed 11 pints. 

Mix together for one dose. 

This, it is said, " can not fail to alleviate the trouble, if not 
entirely ward off the disease, if given on the first symptoms, and 
followed up three times a day." 

The following prescription has also been recommended : 

No. 140. Chlorate of potash ") 

Common salt v Each 1 oz. 

Niter j 

Dissolve them in a pint of hot water, in which an ounce of 
dilute hydrochloric acid has been mixed, and administer in a suf- 
ficient quantity of their gruel for a dose. Mr. Moffat's pre- 
scription consists of 

No. 141. Chlorate of potash 3 dr. 

Tartar emetic 5 gr. 

Carbonate of iron 15 gr. 

Mr. Crotch, M. A., recommended the injection of various an- 
tisceptic and parasiticide salts into the circulation of the veins, and 
the hyposulphite of soda, the permanganate of potash, or the per- 
chlorate of soda are said to be well adapted to this purpose. Dr. 
Carr speaks of a dozen cows cured " by removing the diseased 
cattle from the shed and tethering them in a shaded spot in the 
field, administering warm drinks of gruel or linseed tea, with aro- 
matic seeds (fennel or caraway), an astringent, if diarrhea be 
urgent, and blistering the throat. The mouth is frequently washed 
with strong vinegar and water ; and vinegar is also administered 
to the extent of a pint or more daily." 

Dr. Smart's method of treatment has been described by him- 
self as follows : 

"General Principles of Treatment— -These are based upon a 
knowledge of the pathology of the disease, and indicate the line 
of treatment to be adopted in dealing with it. 

1. The Animal Temperature is Lowered and Deficient. — This has 
to be restored and maintained. To do so the affected animal is 



698 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

protected from all direct draughts of air, placed in a house or byre 
with an equable temperature not under 70° Fahrenheit, and the 
hide thoroughly cleaned and rubbed down, and a warm covering 
kept on the animal throughout the progress of the case. 

2. Tlie Stomachs are Loaded and Distended with Food. — This 
condition, by preventing access of medicine and suitable nourish- 
ment, presents a very great obstacle to treatment. But it also 
indicates the line of treatment to be adopted at this stage ; namely, 
to remove the hurtful accumulation as quickly as possible. This 
must be done by mild purgation, suited to the already irritable 
condition of the lining membrane of the stomach and bowels. 
The medicines here indicated are gentle relaxants, combined with 
diuretic action. 

3. Extreme Vital Depression is characteristic of the Disease 
throughout its entire Progress. — This is conjoined with a very 
peculiar and rapidly-destructive change of some of the internal 
structures. Stimulants to support the depressed vital powers, and 
resist, as far as possible, this tendency to destructive dissolution, 
are thus clearly indicated from the very commencement. And as 
it is of importance to make the healthy organs subserve the pur- 
pose of removing from the blood the morbid materials that may 
exist in it and in the general system, stimulant treatment should 
conjoin with it remedies fitted to excite the functional activity of 
the two great eliminators of this class ; namely, the skin and kid- 
neys. Hence stimulant, diaphoretic, and diuretic action are here 
indicated. Regular milking of the diseased cow, in order to pre- 
vent the retention in the blood of the elements of the milk, is, 
also, on the same general principles, clearly indicated throughout 
the entire course of the disease. 

4. It almost appears an axiom to say that a properly-regulated 
and rational system of nursing is in the* treatment of disease in 
cattle, as in man, of very great importance to the comfort of the 
sick, and as an aid to their recovery. In the present example, no 
method of combating the malady can be of any use in which care- 
ful nursing does not form the basis of every other effort to restore 
health. It is not idle to repeat this, because, in any system of 
treatment hitherto made public, the importance of this fact has 
either been insufficiently recognized or entirely overlooked. Hence 
arises the necessity of there being kind, skillful, and experienced 
attendants, and a well-regulated dietary. 



THE CATTLE PLAGUE. 699 

Remedies. — These are few, simple, and selected on the principles 
above stated. My experience of their suitableness is every day 
more established by fresh examples of their efficacy. There are 
yet only three kinds of drugs which I found it requisite to em- 
ploy. 1. Laxative, with diuretic action. This is principally 
used in the early, but often required at other periods, in the prog- 
ress of the disease. It is composed of 

No. 142. Nitrate of potash ) , - 

-r> j j r . V each 1 oz. 

.rowdered ginger j 

Powder of sublimed sulphur 2 oz. 

Treacle 1 lb. 

Water to make a quart, and well mixed. 

This quantity is given night and morning, or, if requisite, oft- 
ener, until scouring is produced. Afterward, an occasional bottle 
will maintain the free movement of the bowels, without inducing 
excessive action. As the vital powers sink rapidly, there should 
be as little delay as possible in administering stimulants. I have 
found the following mixture possessing stimulant, diuretic, and 
diaphoretic properties, very efficacious: 

No. 143. Carbonate of ammonia § oz. 

Sweet spirit of niter j ^ ^ ^ 

Spirit ot mindereris j * 

Cold water 9 oz. 

Mix. 

This dose, from the commencement of treatment, is adminis- 
tered thrice a day during the entire course of the disease. When 
prostration is great, it is sometimes needful to gi^ it from the 
commencement, and to combine it with any other medicine that 
may be given. In such cases, the doses may be reduced one-third. 
When convalescence is fully established, a simple tonic hastens 
recovery. I find none so good and safe as chinchona bark. The 
best quality only should be used, and given in doses of one ounce 
and a half of the powder. This tonic, in the early period of con- 
valescence, is combined with the stimulant, and at a later period 
with a quart of good, sweet ale, given once daily. It is best ad- 
ministered at night. Two table-spoonfuls of laudanum may be 
added at any time to any other medicine which the animal is get- 
ting, or given in the food when it becomes requisite to control ex- 
cessive diarrhea, or obviate straining. With this exception, there 
are at present no other drugs employed. 

Diet.— -It should be simple, and, until decided convalescence, 



700 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

well cooked, and given in small and regulated quantity. I use 
the following full mash. It is composed of, 

No. 144. Bran 4 handfuls. 

Brewer's draff 4 handfuls. 

Peasemeal 1 pound. 

Mashed turnips (well boiled) ... 2 pounds. 

Not too thick, and given night and morning. At midday a 
drink of gruel is given, made with two pounds of oatmeal, well 
boiled in six quarts of water. In addition to these, some raw tur- 
nip (two pounds, for example, of greentops), and one pound of 
hay, may be allowed in small quantities during the twenty-four 
hours. To allay thirst, three to four quarts of water, previously 
boiled and allowed to cool, is given in mouthfuls during the day. 
This constitutes the full diet of a decided convalescent. Half of 
this diet is, in most instances, during the acute course of the dis- 
ease, too much. In all cases, the same kind of food and periods 
of giving it are followed. There are some animals that, for a 
time, refuse all food, not excepting gruel. In such cases the gruel 
is administered by the bottle, thrice daily, along with or after the 
medicine. The animal should get a little mash so soon as it takes 
it voluntarily. It is often expedient to miss a meal, especially 
whenever symptoms of an unfavorable indication appear. These 
are not of unfrequent occurrence during the course of treatment. 
Grass is given, and the quantity of hay and turnip increased as 
there is progress toward more perfect recovery. 

Symptoms #f Convalescence. — The more obvious indications are, 
1. Recovery of appetite; 2. Greater animation; 3. Return of 
breathing and pulse to their normal condition; 4. Increase of 
milk; 5. Chewing the cud. The seventh, fourteenth, and twenty- 
first days are critical periods in the progress of the disease. 

Summary of Treatment. — 1. The animal is at once taken from 
its ordinary food and separated from the rest. 2. Placed in a 
well-aired byre, or house, free from draughts, and the temper- 
ature of which is maintained at 70° or 75° Fahrenheit. 3. It is 
to be well rubbed down, and thoroughly cleaned, and covered 
with a good rug. 4. If there be constipation, begin with laxative, 
and continue night and morning, or, if required, oftener, until 
there is free scouring. 5. Let there be no delay' in giving the 
stimulant, and, if needful, combine it with the laxative. 6. Defer 
giving ale and bark until convalescence appears. 7. To obviate 



THE CATTLE PLAGUE. 701 

straining or excessive purging, two table-spoonfuls of laudanum, 
night and morning, may be added to other medicine. 8. Be care- 
ful to avoid overfeeding, as an error in diet may prove fatal. 9. 
See that the cow is well milked, night and morning, (even when 
there is no yield,) during the course of the disease. 10. All the 
droppings should be at once disinfected by solution of chloride 
of lime, and quickly removed. 11. The affected animals should 
be frequently and closely observed, and threatening indications 
treated as they occur." 

The Edinburgh Committee on the Cattle Plague, having been 
authorized by the Royal Cattle Plague Commission to make obser- 
vations and experiments in reference to the prevention and treat- 
ment of the disease, considered it desirable, in addition to the 
experiments on treatment which they proposed to institute them- 
selves, to obtain a record of observations and experiments made 
by as large a number as possible of qualified veterinary prac- 
titioners throughout the country. With this view, they drew up 
the following suggestions for methods of treatment of various 
kinds, prophylactic and curative, which they were anxious should 
be tested on an extensive scale: 

" The Committee, before specifying the various methods of treat- 
ment in detail, would premise a few general remarks, which they 
consider to be applicable to all cases. 

First, as to General Sanitary Measures, Disinfection, etc. — The 
Committee content themselves with referring for full information 
on these matters to the ' Supplement of the Report of the Royal 
Cattle Plague Commission/ which is in the hands of all veteri- 
nary inspectors. 

Secondly, as to Food. — The Committee deem it desirable to 
state it as their opinion that, as a general rule, at all stages of the 
disease, and whatever treatment is used, food should not be pressed 
on the affected animal. They believe that too much, even of the 
softest food, is hurtful, the powers of digestion being so greatly 
impaired by the disease. During the earlier stages, they believe 
that the safest articles of diet are oatmeal gruel, barleymeal gruel, 
with linseed tea, hay tea, or bran tea, and that little, if any, ad- 
dition to these is needed. During convalescence it is also very 
necessary that the food should be both sparing and of easy diges- 
tion. The same diet as during the earlier stages may be con- 
tinued, with the addition of mashes of well-boiled turnips or 



702 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

carrots, but in moderate quantity. When rumination commences 
to be reestablished, a handful of sound hay, damped with salt and 
water, may then be given in addition. 

Thirdly, as to the Maintenance of the Heat of the Animal. — 
The tendency to chill of the surface is a marked feature of the 
disease, and it is very essential that the animal should be guarded 
against cold. The byre should be kept heated up to a temper- 
ature of sixty-five degrees. The animal should be thoroughly 
rubbed down from time to time, and be kept covered with an 
ample, clean rug, fastened on with a roller, or band of any kind. 

Fourthly, as to the State of the Bowels. — In the early stages 
they are apt to be constipated. To remove this condition mild 
laxatives may be required, but strong purgatives of all kinds are 
both unnecessary and unsafe. The best laxatives are either raw 
linseed oil, in the dose of a chopin-bottleful (an English quart), 
or from two to three ounces of flowers of sulphur, mixed up with 
two pounds by weight of treacle and two chopin-bottlefuls of 
water. These doses may be repeated cautiously, according to cir- 
cumstances. Sometimes even in the early stages, but more fre- 
quently when the disease has continued for some days, diarrhea 
or scouring is apt to come on, and to prove irritating and ex- 
hausting to the animal. The simplest and best treatment for this 
symptom is one ounce of laudanum, mixed with a chopin-bottleful 
of lime-water, repeated twice or even thrice a day if necessary. 

Having thus premised these general recommendations, the Com- 
mittee proceed to state, in detail, particular methods of treatment, 
classified under the heads of 

A. Diaphoretic and Stimulant Treatment. 

B. Acid Treatment. 

C. Restorative Treatment without Drugs. 

D. Prophylactic Treatment. 

A. Diaphoretic and Stimulant. — The Committee are anxious to 
give a full trial to the method of exciting sweating by means of the 
vapor bath. The method of using this agent is as follows : The 
animal is to be placed in a stall inclosed on all sides, the height 
of the inclosure being a few inches more than that of the animal. 
Over the top of the box or inclosure thus formed is thrown a 
tarpaulin, which should cover it completely, with the exception 



THE CATTLE PLAGUE. 703 

that an opening Is left in it sufficient for the animal's head to pass 
through. There is then to be placed on the floor of the inclosure, 
under the animal, a tub containing boiling water, to the depth of 
half a foot. A continuous evolution of steam is to be maintained 
for half an hour by means of red-hot bricks thrown into the tub 
one after another. Under the use of this steam bath, if properly 
managed, the animal may be expected to become warm and to 
perspire profusely. After each vapor bath the animal should be 
washed with tepid water containing McDougall's disinfecting soap, 
taking care to dry it well after the washing. It should then be 
covered with an ample rug, kept, as already stated, closely applied 
to its body by means of a roller, or band of any kind. The bath 
may be repeated either on the same day or following days, accord- 
ing to circumstances. During and after the bath the animal should 
be allowed a draught of cold water, which helps to promote per- 
spiration. The objects chiefly aimed at by the use of the vapor 
bath are to promote the circulation at the surface, to relieve the 
congestion of the mucous membranes, and to eliminate the poison 
from the system. Combined with the vapor bath may be used 
various other remedies not incompatible with it, but calculated to 
aid its action. 

Several of these remedies the Committee now proceed to men- 
tion, it being, however, understood that only one of them is to be 
used along with the bath in each case where the experiment is 
made; they are not to be used together in the same case. 1. Oil 
of turpentine. This may be administered in doses of four table- 
spoonfuls, well shaken up with a chopin-bottleful of gruel, and 
may be given twice a day. This remedy may be expected to act 
beneficially by its powers of stimulating and of exciting perspira- 
tion. It may probably, also, in most cases where it is used, super- 
sede the necessity for giving any laxative medicine. 2. Infusion 
of coffee. The method of preparing this remedy is by infusing 
two ounces of ground roasted coffee, for a quarter of an hour, in 
a chopin-bottleful of boiling water. It must, of course, be allowed 
to cool somewhat before being administered, and may be given in 
the above quantity every six hours. In addition to its stimulant 
and nutritive qualities, the coffee may act beneficially in conse- 
quence of the empyreumatic oil and caseine which it contains. 
3. Carbonate of ammonia. This medicine, which has been found 
in many cases to act beneficially as a powerful diffusible stimulant, 



704 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

may be administered three times a day, in doses of half an ounce, 
either alone or preferably combined with three drachms of niter, 
dissolved in a chopin-bottleful of gruel. 

B. Acid Treatment. — This treatment is suggested in consequence 
of the alkaline state of the secretions which is found to exist uni- 
formly in the cattle plague. 1. Diluted muriatic acid is said to 
have been successful in Holland. It may be given twice a day, 
in doses of three drachms, mixed with a chopin-bottleful of gruel. 
2. Vinegar. This may be used in doses of two ounces, mixed with 
a chopin-bottleful of gruel, and may be given four times a day. 

C. Restorative Treatment without Drugs. — This consists in car- 
rying out in full the sanitary instructions of the Royal Cattle 
Plague Commission: in regulating the diet according to the in- 
structions already given, in keeping the animal warm, and in 
administering two chopin-bottlefuls of good Scotch sweet ale three 
or four times a day. It is desirable that this system should be 
carried out in a certain proportion of cases, all drugs being rigidly 
abstained from. 

D. Prophylactic Treatment. — The Committee would further de- 
sire to draw attention to the importance of experiments being made 
as to the efficacy of prophylactic (protective) treatment, either in 
preventing the development of the disease or modifying the in- 
tensity of the symptoms when the disease becomes developed in 
animals which have been exposed to the infection. In such cases, 
of course, all the sanitary measures of the Cattle Plague Commis- 
sion should be strictly carried out. There may also be given, at 
the earliest possible period, prophylactic drugs, of which those 
most deserving of trial seem to be, 1. Sulphite of soda, given 
morning and evening, in doses of one ounce, dissolved in a bucket- 
ful of water. 2. McDougall's solution, of which a wine-glassful 
in a bucketful of water may be given twice a day. 3. A mixture 
of half an ounce of sulphite of soda and two table-spoonfuls of 
McDougall's solution, in a bucketful of water, may be given twice 
a day. 

Prevention of the Cattle Plague. — There is but one rational and 
sufficient system whereby the Russian plague can be kept in check. 
That is by preventing direct or indirect contact between animals 
affected with the disease and those that are sound. All else is 
valueless. This is clearly established if we consider how and why 
we are losing the horned stock of Great Britain. 



THE CATTLE PLAGUE. 705 

We should have prohibited direct importation from Russia. 

We should have established foreign stock-markets and slaughter- 
houses. 

We should not have trusted to the insufficient system of inspec- 
tion at our ports and markets. 

The disease should have been recognized earlier. 

We should have killed the diseased and infected animals with 
the greatest determination from the very first. 

The Government should have acted promptly, without trusting 
to the tardy development of public opinion and the hesitating 
action of country magistrates, mayors, and others intrusted with 
authority. 

Greater reliance should have been placed in veterinary surgeons, 
who, knowing the disease and the desperate measures it required, 
could have saved the lives of thousands of valuable animals. 

I did my best on the 29th and 31st of July, 1865, to rouse the 
Government to a true sense of our position. I then advocated the 
formation of a national association for the prevention of cattle dis- 
eases, of a national insurance fund, and created some astonishment 
when I said, on the 1st of August, that " the present calamity will 
not fall on a class, as in the case of the cotton famine. It must 
affect the nation throughout its length and breadth. It is too late 
now to avert such a result, and, with a view to enable us to cope 
with very extraordinary difficulties, there must be a general and 
extraordinary cooperation among the people." I afterward advo- 
cated the continental system, and said, " I quite agree with the 
Austrian veterinarians, that to cure is, in this case, to kill, because 
so long as sick and convalescent animals are kept about, the dan- 
ger of propagating the malady is enormous. Kill by all means; 
and if you can compensate, kill all that have been near a contami- 
nated animal." 
45 



SECTION XXX. 
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 

Improvement in Sheep — Rot, or Hydatids in the Liver — Yellows — Vertigo, 
or Giddiness — Jackets or Blankets for Sheep — Foot-rot — Grubs in the 
Nostrils — Ticks — Inflammation of the Eye — Inflammation of the Lungs — 
Common Catarrh — Diarrhea and Dysentery — Constipation of the Bow- 
els — Tympanites, or Windy Distension of the Intestines and Abdomen. 

Improvement in Sheep. 

NO country in the world is bettef calculated for raising sheep 
than the United States. The diversity of climate, together 
with the abundance and variety of the products of the soil, united 
with the industry and perseverance of agriculturists, render this 
country highly favorable for the breeding, maturing, and improving 
the different varieties of sheep. The American people, as a nation, 
are stronger intellectually than any other on the face of God's earth ; 
consequently they are all-powerful, " for the mind is mightier than 
the sword." Should this intelligent nation of husbandmen direct 
their whole attention to the improvement of sheep, then in a few 
years America shall outshine her more favored European rivals, 
and her husbandmen shall feel proud of their improved stock. 
What the American people have accomplished during the past 
half century, in the arts and sciences, cultivation of the soil, etc., 
is an earnest of what they can do in improving the constitution 
and condition of live stock, provided they take hold of the subject 
in good earnest. Let any one who is acquainted with the subject 
of degeneration, its causes and fatal results, not only in reference 
to the stock itself, but as regards the pocket of the breeder, care- 
fully investigate the subject, and it will be perceived that there 
still exists a fine field for improvement. Much has already been 
accomplished in improving the different breeds in America, and 
(706) 



DISEASES OF SHEEP. 707 

our farmers deserve great credit for their praiseworthy efforts in 
endeavoring to raise fine stock, and I presume their labors have 
proved remunerative. 

In order to show what a whole community of stock-raisers can 
accomplish, in view of improvement, when they have an eye single 
to the object, I here introduce some of the results attending such 
an enterprise, conducted by a single individual — Mr. Bakewell. 

"His breeding animals were, in the first place, selected from 
different breeds. These he crossed with the best to be had. After 
the cross had been carried to the desired point, he confined his se- 
lections to his own herds or flocks. He formed in his mind a 
standard of perfection for each kind of. animals, and to this he 
constantly endeavored to bring them. That he was eminently 
successful in the attainment of his object can not be denied. He 
began his farming operations about 1750. In 1760 his rams did 
not sell for more than two or three guineas per head. From this 
time he gradually advanced in terms, and in 1760 he let some for 
twenty-five guineas a head for the season. Marshall states that, 
in 1786, Bakewell let two-thirds of a ram (reserving a third for 
himself) to two breeders for a hundred guineas each, the entire 
services of the ram being rated at three hundred guineas for the 
season. It is also stated that he made that year, by letting rams, 
more than one thousand pounds. In 1789 he made twelve hun- 
dred guineas by three ' ram brothers/ and two thousand guineas 
from seven, and, from his whole letting, full three thousand guineas. 
Six or seven other breeders made from five hundred guineas to a 
thousand each by the same operation. The whole amount of ram- 
letting of BakewelPs breed is said to have been not less that year 
than ten thousand pounds (forty-eight thousand dollars). 

It is true that still more extraordinary prices were obtained for 
the use of rams of this breed after Mr. Bakewell's death. Pitt, in 
his ' Survey of Leicestershire/ mentions that, in 1795, Mr. Astley 
gave three hundred guineas for the use of a ram of this breed, en- 
gaging, at the same time, that he should serve gratis twenty eAves 
owned by the man of whom the ram was hired, making for the en- 
tire use of the ram that season four hundred and twenty guineas. 
In 1796 Mr. Astley gave for the use of the same ram three hundred 
guineas, and took forty ewes to be served gratis. At the price 
charged for the service of the ram to each ewe, the whole value for 
the season was five hundred guineas. He served one hundred ewes. 



708 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

In 1797 the same ram was let to another person at three hundred 
guineas, and twenty ewes sent with him, the serving of which was 
reckoned at a hundred guineas, and the ram was restricted to sixty 
more, which brought his value for the season to four hundred 
guineas. Thus the ram made, in three seasons, the enormous sum 
of thirteen hundred guineas. 

We have nothing to do, at present, with the question whether 
the value of these animals was not exaggerated. The actual su- 
periority of the breed over the stock of the country must have 
been obvious, and this point we wish kept in mind. This breed 
of sheep is continued to the present day, and it has been remarked, 
by a respected writer, that they will ' remain a lasting monument 
of Bakewell's skill.' As to their origin, the testimony shows them 
to have been of mixed breed, though no breed is more distinct in 
its characters, or transmits its qualities with more certainty ; and 
if we were without any other example of successful crossing, the 
advocates of the system might still point triumphantly to the 
Leicester or Bakewell sheep. 

But what are the opinions of our best modern breeders in regard 
to the practicability of producing distinct breeds by crossing? 
Robert Smith, of Burley, Rutlandshire, an eminent sheep-breeder, 
in an essay on the ' Breeding and Management of Sheep/ for which 
he received a prize from the Royal Agricultural Society, (1847,) 
makes the following remarks: 'The crossing of pure breeds has 
been a subject of great interest among every class of breeders. 
While all agree that the first cross may be attended with good 
results, there exists a diversity of opinion upon the future move- 
ments, or putting the crosses together. Having tried experiments 
(and I am now pursuing them for confirmation) in every way pos- 
sible, I do not hesitate to express my opinion that, by proper and 
judicious crossing through many generations, a most valuable 
breed of sheep may be raised and established ; in support of which 
I may mention the career of the celebrated Bakewell, who raised 
a new variety from other long-wooled breeds, by dint of persever- 
ance and propagation, and which have subsequently corrected all 
other long-wooled breeds.' " 



DISEASES OF SHEEP. 709 

Rot, or Hydatids in the Livee. 

This parasite, which affects the liver of sheep, is known as the 
fluke, (fasciola hepaticum,) and is usually found in the biliary- 
ducts. Rot, in its advanced stage, is a disease of a very formida- 
ble character, and its associations closely resemble dropsy. A 
serous fluid accumulates beneath the skin, hence some people call 
it the water rot. 

Causes. — Wet pastures, and exposure to storms and changes of 
weather, with innutritious diet, are the exciting causes of this 
malady. 

Treatment. — If flukes are present, it is evident that, in order to 
strike at the root of the malady, we must get rid of them, which 
can only be effected by bringing about a healthy condition of the 
system. Nothing that can be done by the application of medicine 
will act on them to affect their vitality. It is only by strengthen- 
ing the animal powers that we are enabled to give sufficient tone to 
the system to throw off the flukes. For that purpose many advocate 
salt. Salt is an excellent stimulative to the digestive organs, and 
may also be of service in restoring the biliary secretion, from the 
soda which it contains. So well is its stimulative action known, 
that some individuals always keep salt in the troughs containing 
animals' food. That this is a preventive they have good proof, 
seeing that it matters not how much the soil might be in salt 
marshes, no sheep are ever attacked by rot in them, while those 
sent there infected very often come back free. Salt, therefore, 
must not be neglected. But then comes the question, can they 
not do something more? I believe they can. They must throw 
tonics into the system, especially those that are obtained in the 
mineral kingdom. I should prefer the sulphate of iron (iron is 
found in animal matter). It is one of the constituents of the 
blood, and, used in the form of sulphate, it gives a greater tone 
and energy to the frame than in any other form. Its use, there- 
fore, ought never to be neglected in the earlier stages of the dis- 
ease. I have already alluded to the fact that, when the liver does 
not perform its functions, a greater effort is made by the kidneys 
to depurate the blood. The kidneys should, therefore, be stimu- 
lated. But I must not be supposed to advise the exhibition of 
diuretics, which would induce debility, but of medicines, which 
would give strength to the frame, and, at the same time, act on 



710 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

the kidneys, for which purpose nitric ether is an agent which 
ought to be employed. The principles I wish to lay down are, 
to husband the animals' powers by placing them in a situation 
where they shall not be exposed to the debilitating effects of cold 
storms ; to supply them with nutritious food, and such as contains 
but a small quantity of water; and to mix salt with the water; 
and likewise to administer sulphate of iron, and occasional doses 
of nitric ether.* 

Yellows. 

This term is used by shepherds to designate disease of the liver. 

Symptoms. — The affected animal has a peculiar languid appear- 
ance, frequently shaking the head, as if parasites were in the nos- 
trils ; the head is pressed against any elevated ground, sometimes 
against the fence or a post; the animal moves lazily along, with 
its nose almost touching the ground ; the membranes of the eyes 
and nose have a yellow tinge ; the same is true of the skin ; a 
marked yellowness is observed on the insides of the thighs and 
anus. As the disease advances these morbid appearances are aug- 
mented. The patient grates its teeth ; stands with the head pendu- 
lous, almost touching the ground ; then soon falls, and dies without 
• a struggle. 

The autopsy reveals the following : The liver has a mottled ap- 
pearance, and its structure is easily broken down ; the gall-blad- 
der is usually full of dark-colored, tarry-looking bile; kidneys, 
stomach, and intestines, tolerably healthy. Should any urine be 
found in the bladder, it will be of a dark color. The heart is pale 
and flabby ; the lungs, healthy, yet the chest usually contains a 
quart or more of dark-colored serum. On removing the skin, 
the surface of the body is yellow (jaundiced). 

Treatment. — Remove the diseased animals from the flock and 
put them in a dry shed. Then prepare the following: 

No. 137. Fluid extract of leptandra (Culver's 

root) 1 pound. 

Powdered hyposulphite of soda 6 oz. 

Water 1 quart. 

Dissolve the soda in the water, then add the leptandrin. Dose, 
one ounce (fluid) twice daily. Let the affected animals have salt ; 
grass should also be cut and placed before them. 

* Professor Simonds. 



DISEASES OF SHEEP 711 

Vertigo, or Giddiness. 



> 



"Vertigo, or giddiness, is a disease of the nervous system, occa- 
sioned, most frequently, by a parasite located in the brain. The 
parasite is named csenarus cerebralis, and belongs to the species 
known as hydatids. Lambs from the age of two months, or from 
four to twelve months, are, when predisposed, apt to become the 
subjects of it. The disease is very apt to end in organic disease 
of the brain and spinal marrow. 

The disease is of hereditary origin, and comes from faults or 
defects in one or both parents, and also from the too early prac- 
tice of breeding, which often obtains in some sections of country. 
In order to guard against the disease, we must put out of the breed- 
ing-fold both males and females that have shown any signs of the 
disorder, and not breed from the ewes under the age of thirty 
months, nor from rams until they have attained their second year. 

Treatment. — In the treatment of the disease, our object is to give 
tone to the system, and saturate the blood with some agent (sul- 
phur) which is known to be obnoxious to parasites in general. 
Take of 

No. 138. Sulphur 1 pound. 

Powdered sulphate of iron 6 oz. 

Powdered poplar bark 1 pound. 

Let this be thoroughly mixed, place it in a stoppered bottle, and 
keep it in a dark place. Mix a table-spoonful daily in bran, and 
place it in the feed-trough, or mix it in a table-spoonful of syrup,, 
and administer it by means of an iron spoon. 

Some persons contend that turnips, when fed to sheep, are apt 
to produce hydatids. On this subject, and on that of protecting 
sheep from the inclemencies of the weather, the following article is 
offered : 

Jackets, or Blankets for Sheep. 

A writer in a late number of the " London Agricultural Gazette" 
says : " We find, on examining our mortality tables for the last 
twelve months, that out of six hundred Cheviot and black-faced 
Evehogs, the number of deaths has been but sixteen. Be it re- 
membered, also, that, with the exception of about a score, none of 
these ever tasted a turnip, but fared with the ewes on the hill. 
Since we commenced the use of jackets, (small blankets,) we have 



712 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

especially noticed an extraordinary diminution of the cases of 
Sturdy/ or water in the head. Hydatids in the brain are gen- 
erally understood to be induced by long-continued heavy rains, 
cold winds, and general privation. Any one conversant with 
sheep must have observed the wool along the back parts in such 
a way as fully to expose the skin. The connection between the 
spine and the brain is obvious, and it can not be wondered that 
hydatids (little sacs filled with water) should be formed in the 
brains of sheep much exposed to severe storms, without due shel- 
ter. Hence the advantage of covering their backs with some ma- 
terial which will protect them, in a great measure, from the chilling 
effects of wind and rain. The material used is woollen, the size 
being twenty-three inches by fifteen. We lately purchased some 
coarse blankets that made excellent covers, each jacket costing 
fourpence. The rams were put with the ewes on the 2 2d of No- 
vember, and we allow forty-five to each male." 

The above remarks, from a flockmaster of large experience, in 
reference to the cause of hydatids, or what we should call water in 
the brains of sheep, are interesting in a medical and physiological 
point of view. We know one breeder in Vermont who covers 
the back of each sheep with a half yard of common sheeting/ 
painted, to shed rain. The practice is founded in reason, and is 
likely to extend, literally making cotton tributary to the produc- 
tion of wool. The growers of the former staple will not object if 
every sheep in the United States and Europe has a cotton "jacket;" 
for one that will answer every intention can be made cheaper of 
cotton than of wool. The comfort of domestic animals at the 
South is sadly and most expensively neglected. 

Foot-rot. 

Causes. — General debility, exposure in wet pastures, contagion, 
foul habit of body. 

Symptoms. — The animal is observed to limp in one or both of 
the fore or hind legs. Sometimes the whole four are affected. 
The parts are hot, tender, and swollen, and exude a fetid fluid. 
The animal is now incapable of walking, and, if not speedily re- 
lieved, death ensues. This form of rot is contagious, so that, if 
the diseased animals are not separated from the healthy, the latter 
soon become infected. To propagate malignant rot, it is quite 



DISEASES OF SHEEP. 713 

sufficient that a flock should pass over a place which has a little 
before been walked over by a diseased sheep. 

Treatment. — Endeavor to ascertain the exciting cause, and, if 
possible, remove it. If the disease has assumed a putrid type, 
the superfluous horn may be removed. The parts are then to be 
washed with * 

No. 139. Pyroligneous acid 4 oz. 

Water 3 oz. 

Mix. 

A piece of lint is afterward to be saturated with the above, and. 
applied as a dressing, and changed as occasion may require. 

The local remedy will avail but little unless we sustain the 
living powers, and thus improve the secretions. Our usual rem- 
edies are, 

No. 140. Powdered golden seal 1 oz. 

Powdered sulphur \ oz. 

Powdered charcoal 1 oz. 

Powdered sassafras 1 oz. 

Powdered assafetida 2 dr. 

Flaxseed 2 lbs. 

Mix, and give a table-spoonful twice a day in the food. 

If I were writing exclusively for my medical brethren, I should 
recommend them to treat the disease according to its indications. 
The above agents will, however, generally prove efficacious, (even 
in the hands of the non-medical,) provided due attention be paid 
to the wants of the animal, and such additional assistance be ren- 
dered as common sense will suggest. Supposing a number of ani- 
mals to be affected, it would occupy too much time to treat them 
singly ; hence I recommend that they be made to walk slowly, or 
linger for some time in a wooden trough, the floor of which may 
be covered, to the depth of one inch, with the following : 

No. 141. Linseed oil 2 pt. 

Pyroligneous acid 4 pt. 

Kerosene 1 pt. 

In the above proportions, the required quantity may be pre- 
pared. 

Grubs in the Nostrils-. 

Grubs in the nostrils are occasioned by the gadfly, which de- 
posits her ova in the nostrils of sheep. After a short time the 
ova bring forth parasites in the larvseal state ; the latter migrate 



714 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

within the interior of the nostrils, causing the sheep much pain 
and annoyance. When the larvse are capable of exercising an 
independent existence, they undergo the same evolution which 
obtains in the case of the bot parasite ; namely, they burrow into 
the earth, and finally become metamorphosed into the gadfly. 

Wt seems that the gadfly selects its subjects, and the weakest 
and most unpromising of the flock are usually its victims ; hence 
close attention to the requirements and condition of a flock may, 
to a certain extent, act as a preventive. Some farmers, in view 
pf preventing the attacks of the gadfly, smear the noses of their 
sheep with common tar. Others plow up a piece of land where 
sheep are pastured, into which they thrust their noses, and then, 
for the time being, they baffle the gadfly. I do not think it would 
be good policy to attempt, either by mechanical or medicinal means, 
to dislodge the parasites ; for the remedy might be worse than the 
disease. When the ova have arrived at maturity, the sheep them- 
selves aid in the dislodgment with acts of snorting, sneezing, and 
coughing. 

Ticks. 

These troublesome parasites may easily be got rid of by dip- 
ping the sheep in an infusion of tobacco. A compound tobacco 
sheep-dip is now manufactured, and can be obtained at the drug 
stores, with full directions for use. 

Inflammation of the Eye. 

Inflammation of the eye is very readily detected by an acute 
redness which pervades the lining membranes of the eyelids and 
that which affords a partial covering to the eyeball. The afflicted 
animal keeps the eyelids partly closed; an effusion of tears runs 
over the lower angle of the eye ; there is intolerance to light, and 
the animal appears to suffer considerable pain. 

Treatment. — Separate the patient from the flock, and bathe the 
eye occasionally with the following lotion : 

No. 142. Sugar of milk 1 oz. 

Fluid extract of hops 1 dr. 

Rain-water 6 oz. 

Mix. 

Should the disease run on to cataract, the sight can not be 
restored. 



DISEASES OF SHEEP. 715 



Inflammation of the Lungs. 

Inflammation of the lungs is usually the result of exposure ; or 
it may arise in consequence of herding too many sheep together; 
sometimes it makes its appearance without any perceptible cause. 
An impure atmosphere, however, may be set down as the ordinary 
exciting cause of this malady. 

Treatment. — Place upon the tongue ten drops of fluid extract 
of gelseminuin, morning and evening. Dissolve one ounce of 
chlorate of potass in half a pint of flaxseed tea, and give it daily 
as a drench until the animal improves. Let the patient be placed 
in a secluded spot, under cover, and if the case is curable, health 
will soon return. 

The most marked symptoms of pneumonia are panting and 
heaving at the flanks, quickened respiration, discharge from the 
nose, and cough. There is also a cessation of rumination. In 
short, the same symptoms prevail in this disease as in pneumonia 
of cattle. 

Common Cataeeh. 

This affection prevails most extensively among sheep that have 
been exposed to rains- and unpleasant weather. The disease mani- 
fests itself in the form of a defluxion from the nostrils of a mUco- 
serous discharge, accompanied by frequent sneezing, and occasional 
cough. As soon as the disease is discovered, the affected animals 
should be placed in comfortable quarters. Then prepare the 
following drench: 

No. 143. Composition powder 2 oz. 

Boiling water 1 <!*• 

Pour the boiling water on the powder; let the mixture stand 
in a warm place for an hour; pour off the clear liquor, and add 
two ounces of sugar of milk. Dose : A wine-glassful once or twice 

daily. 

Malignant epizootic catarrh may be treated in the same man- 
ner, with the addition of one ounce of chlorate of potass per day, 
which can be dissolved in the above drench. 



716 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



Diarrhea and Dysentery. 

Curable cases of the above character are brought to a favorable 
termination by using the following drench : 

No. 144. Finely pulverized animal charcoal .... 1 oz. 

Scalded cow's milk 1 gill. 

Hyposulphite of soda 1 dr. 

Mix. 

The above constitutes a dose. It may be repeated as often as 
the emergency seems to require; but should the subject be a young 
lamb one-half the above quantity will suffice. 



Constipation of the Bowels. 

Constipation is almost always the result of a deranged condition 
of the digestive organs. A deranged condition of the liver, for 
example, will result in costiveness, for which I recommend the 
following drench : 

No. 145. Glauber salts 2 oz. 

Fluid extract of leptandra 1 tea-spoonful. 

Thin gruel \ pt. 

Dissolve the salts in the gruel, and drench the animal with the 
same. 



Tympanites, or Windy Distension of the Intestines 
and Abdomen. 

This disease is very easily recognized by the bloated appear- 
ance of the animal. It is occasioned by the food running into 
fermentation and generating gas. The following remedy is a sure 
cure for tympanites, administered as a drench : 

No. 146. Hyposulphite of soda 4 dr. 

Fluid extract of golden seal .... 1 dr. 

Fluid extract of ginger 2 dr. 

Water 1 wine-glassful. 



SECTION" XXXI. 
DISEASES OF SWINE. 

Effects of Impure Air on Swine — Measles in Pork — Quinsy — Hernia, or 
Rupture — Intestinal Worms — Hog Cholera — Trichina Spinalis. 



The Treatment of the Diseases of Swine. 

THE nature of the most common diseases incidental to swine, 
and the treatment of the same, are subjects of great impor- 
tance to those engaged in raising this description of property, and 
it is very gratifying to know that farmers are anxious to obtain 
reliable information on such subjects. It is only of late years that 
any special attention has been given to swine pathology in this 
country, either by farmers or surgeons, and in former years the 
treatment of swine diseases was extremely barbarous, and consisted 
of little else than of splitting their ears, cutting off their tails, and 
dosing them with poisons. Such treatment must have been any 
thing but pleasant to the poor brutes, and very unsatisfactory in 
its results. 

Swine, in certain periods in the history of the world, have been 
denominated "unclean creatures, of gross habits," etc. If they 
are unclean and of gross habits, their owners gave them their first 
lesson, and are more to blame than the animal. How can it be 
expected that they shall exhibit better habits while confined in 
miserable quarters and filthy localities, where they are often com- 
pelled to wallow knee-deep in mud and excrement, dragging out 
a woful existence in the midst of a perfect hot-bed of filth, often 
respiring an atmosphere concocted from the decomposition of 
rotten excrements within their pest-hole, or local habitation. And 
the food that such poor creatures are compelled to devour, what 
shall I say of that? It is too beastly to describe, yet the cravings 

(717) 



718 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

of an appetite, not naturally morbid, induce the animal to convert 
his stomach into a living cess-pool. Some persons appear to have 
an idea that any system of management is good enough for hogs ; 
hence how can we expect that animals thus neglected and misused 
shall improve, either in habits or condition? Hence, if domes- 
ticated swine have lost their natural instincts, and acquired gross 
and filthy habits, the blame should fall where it belongs. Hus- 
bandmen know, from experience, that if young pigs are properly 
provided for and kept in comfortable quarters, and not too nu- 
merously herded, they will refuse to partake of the horrid garbage 
which their city cousins, occupying a down-cellar locality, are, 
from sheer necessity, compelled to devour, and they will exercise 
the same sagacity in the selection of nice morsels as tha wild ori- 
ginals have been known to manifest. 

The ancients were led to believe that " the use of swine's flesh 
was an abomination, and its touch pollution." This was, and 
is, a mere theory, unsustained by facts — the result of prejudice; 
for the Egyptians, Jews, and Mohammedans, who considered the 
flesh of swine as the exciting cause of leprosy and tape-worms, 
were the greatest sufferers, yet they never touched pork. On 
perusing the records of the Jewish historians, we are informed 
that the strangers sojourning in the camp of the Egyptians, par- 
took freely of pork, yet no cases of scrofula nor leprosy appeared 
among them; yet the followers of Moses, who, from prejudice 
or antiquated religious custom, abstained from pork, were the 
greatest sufferers from the terrible diseases known as scrofula and 
leprosy. Pork is the principal article of food among the Ro- 
mans, Greeks, Chinese, natives of the Archipelago Islands, and 
the negroes inhabiting the burning regions of Asia ; also the 
more refined and straight-haired inhabitants of Northern Asia 
partake freely of pork. 

The people of England consume an immense amount of pork, 
as do also the people of this country. Our soldiers in and out of 
camp, and when on the march, devour pork, both cooked and un- 
cooked, with impunity ; hence, if pork is really the cause of leprosy, 
scrofula, or tape- worm, we might expect to see many lepers in this 
country, and an equal number of unfortunate individuals infested 
with tape-worms ; but we all know that the converse is the case, 
and many American physicians inform me that leprosy and tape- 
worm are very rare afflictions in this country ; so that the uncom- 



DISEASES OF SWINE. 719 

plaining and much-abused creature that I am writing about, has 
been most awfully slandered and ill-used. 

I contend that the flesh of swine, when the animal has been 
judiciously fed, is nutritive, wholesome, and palatable, and in 
its excellency is considered a great delicacy. Like other sub- 
stantial food, however, it does not agree with some persons; but 
the fault is not in the pork, but in the stomach of the invalid, who 
should not taste that which disagrees with him. Still, it would 
appear to be in perfect harmony with retributive justice, if the 
diseases alluded to were the result of man's criminal neglect of a 
class of animals that should claim his care and protection. 

I have alluded to the condition of swine, such as are kept in 
cities. What shall I say of those which are kept and fed at the 
slaughter-houses in Chicago and at Cincinnati ? We are all con- 
versant with the facts in the case ; they are too notorious to need 
repetition. I only urge those who have the power and will to 
inaugurate a reform where reforms are most needed. Credit is 
due, however, to our farmers, who pay much attention to the 
raising and welfare of swine. The errors I complain of are not 
so prevalent in the country as in our large cities. I contend that 
the hog does not thrive so well in the city as in the country. He 
was never cut out for a citizen ; he never chews tobacco, nor does 
he " smile." He is one of Nature's pets, and- thrives best on roots 
and fruit, in the universal sty. The city air does not vitalize his 
blood — does not agree with him. Down-cellar locations, and 
narrow, filthy pens, are abominations. They tend to toughen 
muscle and to tubercularize, often sending thousands of otherwise 
valuable animals into a galloping consumption, from which the 
knife of the butcher rescues them. 

Effects of Impure air on Swine. 

A great proportion of the diseases which afflict swine are, no 
doubt, caused by bad management, and the crowding of them 
together on a limited space, where they must necessarily breathe 
a highly-contaminated atmosphere. It is one of the chief causes 
of pulmonary apoplexy, and other pneumonic affections which are 
so notoriously prevalent. I have often seen a lot of swine disem- 
barked from the cars the subjects of congestion of the lungs, the 
external surface of the bodies of some being as blue as indigo, (quite 



720 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

livid,) showing very conclusively that their blood was highly 
charged with carbon ; that either for want of pure air, or from 
temporary incapacity of the lungs, in consequence of crowding too 
many animals together, the lungs failed to oxygenize the blood, 
and thus they suffered. Swine require pure fresh air as much as 
we do for the vitalization of their blood, and can no more live 
without it than did the unfortunate individuals that perished in 
the Black Hole of Calcutta. Under such circumstances, whether 
the animals be confined in close cars or in filthy pens, it makes 
but little difference — they are liable to become diseased; and it 
often happens that when certain forms of disease are engendered 
spontaneously in this way, other animals exposed to the infection 
are attacked, and thus we have an epizootic, which is sure to com- 
mit sad havoc ere it dies out or can be arrested. It is probable 
that bad air, inferior diet, and crowding animals into filthy loca- 
tions have more to do with the production of the so-called " hog 
cholera " and the well-known pleuro-pneumonia than some persons 
are apt to realize. If this be true, and I think it is, then our hus- 
bandmen must see the necessity of paying great attention to the 
hygienic management of swine. The latter are generally the most 
neglected and despised of all our domestic animals, except when 
they are of aristocratic breed, and owned by amateurs of means, 
or when they are designed for " home-fed pork." Now, if it pays 
the amateur and lover of " home-fed " to give the animal that at- 
tention and care which he not only requires, but is entitled to, then 
a similar course of practice must increase the gains of those who 
raise their animals for the market. 

Pure air, good food, plenty of space, and comfortable quarters 
are the best preventives of disease that I know of. Much better are 
they than all the drugs in the country ; and when the animal be- 
comes sick, without proper attention to hygiene, medicine is not 
worth a straw. It is well-known to the scientific farmer that 
when swine are crammed on a limited portion of land whence 
they derive their food, without regard to the laws which govern 
the distribution of living beings throughout creation, disease and 
death run riot, and the bodies of such animals are almost sure to 
be infested with various kinds of parasites. 

The same facts have been observed in regard to sheep, when 
they are crowded and the land overstocked. It is the forerunner 
of parasitic disease. An English writer, having considerable ex- 



DISEASES OF SWINE. 721 

perience in the matter, contends that it is the crowding of sheep 
on the low lands which has engendered " rot " and " scab," and 
which causes thousands to die, with the respiratory organs filled 
with strongyli, or the intestines with tape-worms. The Australian 
farmers can testify to the ravages of the tape-worm in sheep as the 
result of crowding land to an unnatural extent. On our vast prai- 
ries, however, there may be no danger of overcrowding, yet it is 
right that we should be conversant with the danger, in order to 
avoid it in the future. 

Majendib, the celebrated French physician, contends that 
very many grave and fatal diseases are introduced into the system 
through the respiratory organs : " And although we with difficulty 
arrive at any certain knowledge of the miasms rising in marshy 
grounds from the decomposition of putrid vegetable and animal 
substances, there can be no doubt whatever of their entering into 
the blood through the medium of the air, and so producing many 
fatal diseases. In some countries, epidemic affections especially 
rage with extreme intensity. In hot, humid climates, and espe- 
cially on the sea-coast and borders of certain rivers, as, for instance, 
the Gulf of Mexico, Vera Cruz, New Orleans, etc. Such causes 
admit of demonstration, since, by introduction of them into the 
blood experimentally, may be produced, though not exactly yellow 
fever, symptoms bearing the greatest resemblance to it, with black 
vomit and speedy death. Lower Egypt, where the plague for- 
merly prevailed so alarmingly, owing to such causes, has been 
rendered comparatively rare by the improved condition of the 
country." 

Measles in Pork. 

Measles in the hog is identical with tape- worm in man. It has 
been discovered that the hydatids of the hog, known as measles, 
(named in the zoological system cysticercus cellulosa,) have exactly 
the same head as the common tape-worm of man (taenia solium). 
Many experiments have, from time to time, been made, setting the 
matter beyond a doubt. Kuckenmeister, who wished to make 
sure of the fact, made the experiment upon a criminal who was 
soon to be executed, and, as was to be expected, with perfect suc- 
cess. Measles taken from fresh pork, and put into sausages which 
the criminal ate raw, at certain intervals, before his death, were 
found again, in the post mortem examination, as tape-worms in 
46 



722 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

his intestines, and in different stages of development, according to 
the intervals in which the measles had been taken. Thus it was 
discovered that all measles in swine are tape-worm larvse, which, 
when swallowed with a portion of the animal in which they live 
by another animal, develop the tape -worm. In zoology tape- 
worms are named cestoidea. About two hundred different species 
are described by naturalists, which vary much in size, the smallest 
being barely visible to the naked eye, while the largest will some- 
times measure one hundred feet in length. 

Different species of animals are infested with different species 
of tape-worms. They are found in the intestines of the horse, ass, 
sheep, goat, dog, deer, antelope, rat, mouse, and many other ani- 
mals and insects. All tape- worms are hermaphrodites ; the sexes 
are not only united in the whole of the tape-worm, but each joint 
of the compound parasite for itself has its own independent male 
and female sexual organs, testicles, and ovaries. 

Treatment. — Put into the food of each hog, daily, two drachms 
of powdered sulphur, half an ounce of powdered poplar bark, and 
half a table-spoonful of hue salt. The best method of preventing 
measles in swine is to keep their lodging-places perfectly clean 
and dry, and to allow them pure air and exercise. Their food 
should be of a very nutritious quality. Swine may be suspected 
to have measles when they do not fatten nor thrive well. 

Quinsy. 

This is a very common disease among swine, and affects the 
lining membrane of the respiratory passages, which become in- 
flamed and tumefied. This condition occasions great difficulty in 
swallowing either fluids or solids, and the respiration is much 
embarrassed; the neck appears to be stiff, and the nose is pro- 
truded. A distressing cough is usually present ; the animal froths 
at the mouth as if he were choking ; the glands in the region of 
the throat are enlarged, and this adds to the difficulty in breathing. 

Treatment. — A mild case of quinsy, unaccompanied with tume- 
faction of the throat or the thyroid glands, may be cured by 
transferring the animal to a warm pen where he can burrow in 
clean straw. Let him have a mess of thin gruel three times daily, 
into which stir half an ounce of powdered chlorate of potass. It 
is not safe to drench an animal the subject of quinsy, for he may 



DISEASES OF SWINE. 723 

choke to death ; therefore, if possible, the medicine must be incor- 
porated with the food. In bad cases the throat must be lubricated 
with cod-liver oil occasionally. Should the bowels be constipated, 
a few ounces of Epsom salts or a couple of ounces of castor-oil are 
indicated ; whereas a looseness or temporary diarrhea must be 
held in check by means of pulverized anthracite coal, or else by 
means of animal charcoal. These ingredients should be mixed in 
scalded milk, and placed in a clean trough. It is very evident, 
however, that, in the absence of pure air, comfortable quarters, 
and good nursing, medicine will have but little if any effect. 

Quinsy mostly owes its origin to exposure, fatigue in travel- 
ing long distances, and to bad accommodations ; therefore proper 
attention to the wants and comfort of these animals will act as 
the best of preventives. 

The wretched condition in which some of these animals are 
compelled to exist, and the vile garbage which is often fed to them, 
is the exciting cause of most of their maladies ; therefore such mat- 
ters should command the attention of husbandmen. 

Heenia, oe Ruptuee. 

Pigs are very frequently born in a ruptured condition. The 
disease is then called congenital, and scrotal when within the 
scrotum. The disease consists of adhesion of a protruded portion 
of intestine to the testicle after its descent into the scrotum. This 
adhesion often takes place while the testicle is yet in the abdomen. 
On the descent of the testicle into the scrotum the intestine de- 
scends with it. 

Treatment. — Secure the limbs, or engage some persons to hold 
them ; then place the animal on a bench, and cut carefully over 
the region of the enlargement until the testicle is exposed. Care- 
fully dissect the intestine from the testicle ; remove the testicle in 
the usual way ; then return the intestine within the abdomen. 
Should the intestine be so large that it seems impossible to return 
it, then enlarge the opening by means of a probe-pointed knife; 
then raise the hind-quarters of the pig, and the bowel will return 
into the abdominal cavity, after which take a couple of stitches 
through the skin and superficial tissues, and the operation is fin- 
ished. In a few days the stitches may be cut away ; there is no 
need of any dressing. 



724 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Intestinal Worms. 

When swine are infested with intestinal parasites they gener- 
ally become unthrifty — will not fatten, yet have a voracious ap- 
petite, and will devour greedily every thing that is placed before 
them. 

Treatment. — For solitary cases give the animal an occasional 
dose of the following : 

No. 147. Castor-oil 2 oz. 

Oil of wormseed 1 dr. 

Mix. 

When a large number of animals are infested with intestinal 
parasites, prepare the following : 

No. 148. Pulverized anthracite coal 2 lbs. 

Powdered poplar bark 1 lb. 

" Powdered sulphur \ lb. 

Powdered salt 4 oz. 

Mix. 

Give a table-spoonful with the food twice daily, until the animal 
takes on a more thrifty condition. 

Inflammation of the Lungs (Pneumonia). 

Inflammation of the lungs, or what may very properly be 
termed apoplexy of the same, is a very fatal malady in swine, and 
runs its course to a fatal termination very rapidly. 

Symjjtoms. — The early symptoms are accelerated and laborious 
respiration, shivering fits, cough, loss of appetite, and rapid wast- 
ing of fat and flesh. 

Treatment. — Dissolve half an ounce of nitrate of potass in about 
a quart of thin gruel and set it before the patient ; if he refuse to 
drink it, then a drench of the same must be given. In the mean 
time place on the tongue ten drops (three times daily) of fluid 
extract of gelseminum until the febrile symptoms have subsided ; 
then give every morning half an ounce of hyposulphite of soda 
until the animal is convalescent. Bleeding and purging, as re- 
commended in ancient works, is sure death to the animal. 



DISEASES OF SWINE. 725 



Hog Choleea. 



The disease to which the name of " hog cholera " has been gen- 
erally but improperly applied, has prevailed more extensively in 
this country than most persons are aware of. The first appear- 
ance of the disease, of which I have been able to find any notice, 
was in Indiana, in the summer of 1856. It has continued, to a 
greater or less extent, since that time in our Western and Southern 
States, in nearly all of which it has, at some period, attained the 
character of a wide-spread and fatal epidemic. Its victims in 
those States are numbered by hundreds of thousands, if not by 
millions. During the last five years this disease has been seen, 
from time to time, in portions of the more eastern States, some- 
times, as in Western New York in 1856, proving quite severe and 
fatal in comparatively limited localities ; but in the Eastern States 
it has, to a great extent, originated with and has generally been 
confined to, hogs imported from the West. I think that in no 
State east of Ohio has the disease prevailed extensively, or attained 
the character of a wide-spread epidemic. In the vicinity of Provi- 
dence, Rhode Island, it has prevailed to some extent, more par- 
ticularly among large herds of swine, during each of the last five 
winters, but has been mostly confined to hogs brought from the 
West, and has usually disappeared with the approach of warm 
weather. During the last winter it was more severe than in any 
preceding, and was not confined to Western hogs. Neither did 
the disease, as heretofore, cease with the cold weather, but it con- 
tinued until August, having destroyed more than five hundred 
hogs in Providence and in the adjoining towns during the first 
seven months of the year 1861. I have also heard of its preva- 
lence in various towns in Massachusetts during the same period. 

It is evident that a subject of so great importance to the agri- 
cultural interests of the community deserves attention. It is also 
interesting to all classes of the community, on account of the re- 
lations of this disease to epidemic diseases which afflict the human 
race, and on account of its effects upon the supply of animal food 
for cities. For these reasons I have, in connection with Dr. Col- 
lins and other physicians of this city, made some investigations 
upon the subject. We have visited and examined many sick hogs, 
and have examined the bodies of some of them after death. I 
have also made inquiries of those who have had the care of the 



726 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

hogs in relation to the symptoms, and have obtained information, 
so far as' possible, from those who have seen the disease at the 
West, where it has prevailed so extensively. The results of these 
investigations I propose to give briefly as follows : 

Symptoms. — The symptoms, as described by persons unaccus- 
tomed to such observations, are extremely various. By combin- 
ing the information obtained from others with the results of my 
own observations, the symptoms, as seen during the life of the 
animal, are nearly as follows : 

1. Refusal of food. — This is the first symptom usually noticed 
by those who have the care of the animals, though, as will be seen 
hereafter, this symptom by no means indicates the beginning of 
the disease. The refusal of food, after it is first noticed, generally 
continues through the whole sickness, and food of every descrip- 
tion is mostly refused. 

2. Great thirst. — This is constant, and large quantities of cold 
water will be swallowed if it can be obtained. Even after the 
animal is unable to stand alone it will drink cold water with 
eagerness. 

3. After a time, the length of which varies very much, the ani- 
mal begins to show signs of weakness; reels, staggers, and, in 
attempting to walk, often falls down. 

4. In most cases there is a diarrhea, with copious fluid dis- 
charges of dark, bilious, and very offensive matters. In a few 
cases there is no diarrhea, but evacuations of hard, black balls ; 
but in some of these cases the fluid offensive matter is found in 
the intestines after death. 

5. In a few cases there is vomiting ; but this is not often severe, 
nor is it continuous for any length of time. 

6. The external appearance of the animal is at first paler than 
usual; but toward the last of the sickness purple spots appear, 
first on the nose and sides of the head. These extend along the 
sides and belly, and between the hind legs ; after which the ani- 
mal soon dies. 

7. In many cases, perhaps a majority, ulcers are found on the 
different parts of the body. These were particularly noticed on 
the inside of the lips and gums, and on the feet, and were often 
quite deep and excavated. In some cases these ulcers were seen 
in the nostrils, and in one case there were extensive ulcerations in 
the back part of the mouth, on the tonsils. 



DISEASES OF SWINE. 727 

8. In some cases the legs are swelled, and the animal is lame; 
sometimes the ears and sides of the head are swelled and red; 
sometimes the eyes are sore and inflamed; sometimes swellings, 
like carbuncles, are seen ; and, generally, the glands near the sur- 
face seem to be enlarged. 

9. In most cases the pulse is quickened, the breathing is hurried 
and difficult, and there is much cough ; but in some genuine cases 
there is no perceptible trouble with the lungs, and no important 
signs of disease are found in them after death. 

10. The duration of the disease in fatal cases, after the first 
symptoms are noticed, is extremely variable. We have seen some 
which have died within two or three hours ; others have lived 
many days. It is difficult, however, to fix the time of the appear- 
ance of the first symptoms. The first noticed is usually the refusal 
of food ; but it is probable, indeed it is certain, that the sickness 
is in progress for a considerable period before the animal refuses 
food. Cases like the following are sometimes seen : A hog refuses 
to eat ; it soon grows weak ; staggers in walking ; turns purple 
on the sides and belly, and dies within two or three hours after 
the first symptom is noticed. But, on examination after death, 
extensive disease is found in the intestines, or in the lungs, or in 
both, at a stage of development which must have required many* 
days fo reach. 

Such are the symptoms as obtained from inquiries and obser- 
vations in this vicinity. Since the preceding description was writ- 
ten, I have obtained a valuable article upon the disease, written 
by Dr. Geoege Sutton, of Aurora, Dearborn County, Indiana, 
and published in the "North American Medico-Chirurgical Re- 
view/' for May, 1858. 

Dr. Sutton made extensive and careful observations of the 
disease as it prevailed in Indiana, and his articles comprise the 
only published information I have been able to obtain in relation 
to it. His description of the symptoms is as follows : " The hog 
at first appears weak ; his head droops ; and sometimes, in a few 
hours after these symptoms, diarrhea commences. There is fre- 
quently vomiting. In some cases the discharges were serous and 
clay-colored, sometimes dark, also bloody and mucous, resembling 
those of dysentery. The urine at first was generally small in 
quantity and high-colored, but as the animal recovered it became 
abundant and clear. This was one of the symptoms by which 



728 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

the men, who were attending the hogs at the distillery, ascertained 
that they were recovering. In a large number of cases the respir- 
atory organs appeared to be principally affected, and there was 
coughing, wheezing, and difficult respiration. In some instances 
the animal lost the power of squealing, and the larynx was dis- 
eased. There was frequently swelling of the tongue and bleeding 
from the nose. In those cases where the respiratory organs were 
the principal seat of the disease there was generally no diarrhea 
or dysentery. In many instances the disease appeared to be prin- 
cipally confined to the skin ; sometimes the nose, the ear, or the 
side of the head were very much inflamed — the ear swollen to 
twice its usual thickness. This inflammation would spread along 
the skin sometimes over the eye, producing complete blindness. 
Sometimes one or more legs were inflamed and swollen, and the 
inflammation also extended along the body. The skin, where it 
was inflamed, was red and swollen. Some had large sores on 
their flanks or sides, from three to six inches in diameter. In one 
instance, at the distillery, the inflammation extended along the 
fore-leg, the foot became ulcerated and sloughed off, and the 
animal recovered. Some appeared delirious, as if there was in- 
flammation of the brain. Sudden changes in the weather, par- 
ticularly from warm to cold, appeared to increase the fatality of 
the disease." 

The symptoms, as described by Dr. Sutton, are similar to 
those observed in this vicinity, and the descriptions already given 
are sufficient to enable any one to recognize the disease wherever 
it prevails. It will be noticed that there is a very great variety 
in the symptoms described, and that they affect nearly every part 
of the animal. This would be expected from the nature of the 
disease itself, as will be seen hereafter. 

Post-mortem Appearances. — Having described the symptoms as 
seen while the animal is living, I will now give, briefly, the ap- 
pearances found on examination of the bodies after death. In the 
course of our investigations, during the last winter and spring, 
the bodies of nine hogs were carefully examined by Drs. G. L. 
Collins, J. W. C. Ely, and E. T. Caswell, of Providence, in 
the presence of several other physicians. A minute account of 
each case was prepared by Dr. Collins, and published in the 
"Transactions of the Rhode Island Medical Society," for 1861. 
It will be sufficient for the objects of this paper to give a brief 



DISEASES OF SWINE. 729 

synopsis of the diseased appearances which were found in these 
examinations. 

Lungs. — In two cases the lungs were healthy. In the remain- 
ing seven cases one or both lungs were more or less inflamed, 
having a liver-like appearance, called hepatization. In some cases 
the inflammation was more advanced, and the substance of the 
lungs was breaking down into a mass of disease. In all cases 
where the lungs were inflamed there was also pleurisy, and the 
lungs were adherent to the walls of the chest, the inflammation 
of the lungs and the pleurisy together constituting true pleuro- 
pneumonia. In two cases there were tubercles, or consumption 
in the lungs ; but this is not uncommon in hogs, and is not sup- 
posed to have any connection with the special disease we are con- 
sidering. 

Stomach. — The stomach and the small intestines were generally 
healthy. The stomach was frequently distended with an offensive 
mixture of food, and in one case the inner surface was ulcerated 
to some extent. In two cases worms were found in the small in- 
testines; but this was probably a mere accidental occurrence, and 
had no necessary connection with the disease. 

Large Intestines. — The inner coat of the large intestines was 
generally inflamed and softened, with ulcerations to a greater or 
less extent, and they were frequently so tender as to be easily torn 
with the fingers. On account of their diseased condition, their 
inner coat was frequently discolored. The inflammation and 
ulceration of these intestines are probably the principal cause of 
the diarrhea in this disease. 

Kidneys. — These organs were, in every case, mtich more pale 
and yellow than natural ; this condition was well marked. 

The liver and bladder were generally healthy. In some cases 
water was found in the cavity of the belly and of the chest, and 
in the membrane surrounding the heart (heart-case). In two 
cases numerous minute purple spots were seen upon the mem- 
brane lining the walls of the belly. The urine was often changed 
from the healthy condition, containing albumen and other dis- 
eased products, not, however, noticeable to the eye. Ulcers upon 
the feet and in the mouth were often found. The brain was not 
examined, as there were no symptoms observed which seemed to 
indicate disease of this organ. It may be, at times, affected, but 
is probably more rarely so than the other organs of the body. 



730 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Such are some of the most important appearances which are 
found on examination of the bodies of hogs which have died with 
this disease. It will be noticed that three of the diseased con- 
ditions I have described are prominent, important, and such as 
would be readily recognized by the most ignorant observer. These 
are, first, the pleurisy and 'inflammation of the lungs ; second, the 
inflammation, ulceration, and softening of the inner coat of the 
large intestines ; and, third, the pale and yellowish color of the 
kidneys. One or more of these diseased conditions will be found 
in every case, and in, perhaps, a majority of cases, they will all be 
found in the same animal. 

Dr. Sutton, of Indiana, in the article from which I have 
already quoted, gives an interesting account of the post mortem 
appearances in hogs dying from this disease. He examined the 
bodies of sixty-seven hogs, and it is evident, from this article, that 
he had the opportunity of observing the disease in a more malig- 
nant form than it has presented in this vicinity. He mentions 
every diseased condition that I have described, and also found 
unmistakable marks of similar disease in almost every other organ 
of the body. 

With the description already given of symptoms and post mor- 
tem appearances, most persons, even without medical knowledge, 
will be able to recognize the disease. It remains for us to con- 
sider, briefly, its nature, causes, prevention, and treatment. 

Nature of the Disease. — The first question which arises in the 
minds of most persons is this : What is the disease ? and the ques- 
tion is asked with a special desire to have it answered by a definite 
name. This can not be done. There is no name which would con- 
vey, even to physicians, and certainly not to others, a precise idea 
of the disease. But though there is no specific name by which it 
can be called, the facts, as already given, can not fail to suggest, 
at least to medical men, a correct idea of its nature. Sometimes 
in the human subject, particularly when portions of the body are 
undergoing the process of inflammation and suppuration, pus and 
other diseased products are absorbed, and, entering into the circu- 
lation, poison the blood and produce that condition of the system 
known as pysemia. In such cases the general poisoning of the 
system is shown by a low form of fever, great weakness and pros- 
tration of the vital powers, frequently accompanied by vomiting 
and purging, and often resulting in pleurisy, with inflammation 



DISEASES OF SWINE. 731 

and deposits of matter in the substance of the lungs, superficial 
swellings and abscesses, inflammation and suppuration in the joints, 
and other diseased phenomena. So in severe forms of typhus or 
ship fever, and in malignant cases of some other diseases, when 
the whole system seems to be filled with a powerful poison and 
utterly prostrated, the same or similar effects are seen. So in this 
disease among hogs there seems to be a general poisoning of the 
blood, producing local inflammations and ulcerations in various 
parts of the system, though more frequently in some portions than 
in others. 

This, then, is a general disease of the whole system, resulting 
from some poisoning of the blood ; and the pleurisy, the inflam- 
mation of the lungs, the ulceration of the intestines, the superficial 
ulcers and swellings, and other effects I have described, are only 
the local effects or results of the general disease. The diarrhea, 
which exists in a majority of cases, and on account of which the 
name of " hog cholera " has been given to the disease, is probably 
caused by the local inflammation and ulceration of the large intes- 
tines. The name "hog cholera" is, therefore, entirely improper, 
as it represents only one of the several prominent symptoms. The 
disease might as correctly and as incorrectly be called a " pleuro- 
pneumonia." 

In this connection, it is proper to notice the similarity which 
exists between this disease in swine and some epidemic diseases 
which have prevailed among cattle. Some two thousand years 
since a disease, to which the name of " murrain " was given, was 
described by Virgil as " a highly inflammatory fever among cattle, 
accompanied with tumors, carbuncles, ulcers, and purulent deposits 
throughout the whole body." Any one who reads this and other 
descriptions of murrain, as given in the " New American Cyclo- 
pedia," can not fail to notice the striking similarity between that 
disease among cattle and the disease among swine which we are 
now considering. The same is true of the disease which has caused 
so much excitement in New England, within the last two years, 
under the name of " pleuro-pneumonia." Its symptoms and jiost 
mortem appearances, so far as described in the reports I have seen 
upon the subject, are very similar to those observed in the disease 
among hogs which we have examined. The only case of the 
disease called "pleuro-pneumonia" that I have seen was in the 
vicinity of Providence, in July, 1861. Bi that case, in which a 



732 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

post mortem examination was made by Dr. Collins, it was the 
unanimous opinion of the physicians present that there was a re- 
markable similarity in the symptoms and appearances to those 
observed in the hogs examined previously. 

The conclusion to which I have arrived is, that the " hog chol- 
era " I have described, the " murrain " of Virgil and of all ages 
since, and the " pleuro-pneumonia " of New England, are similar 
diseases, having the same general features, producing similar dis- 
eased changes in the body, and are the result of similar causes. If 
a definite name is required, the name of " murrain," which is de- 
rived from a Greek word which means to waste or to weaken, is 
the best. The names " hog cholera " and " pleuro-pneumonia " are 
both improper, and give very erroneous ideas in relation to the 
disease. 

Causes. — In this and other similar diseases among animals, as 
well as in epidemic diseases in the human race, the universal ten- 
dency of the public mind is to ascribe their propagation to conta- 
gion. Dr. Sutton, whom I have already quoted, says : " Although 
this disease must occasionally have a spontaneous origin, yet, when 
once produced, it will spread rapidly by contagion." The investi- 
gations of the cattle disease in Massachusetts in 1860, and the action 
of the Legislature in regard to it, seem to have been based upon 
the theory that the disease was a "pleuro-pneumonia" only, and 
that it was contagious. 

If this be an epidemic or epizootic* disease, its causes are similar 
in their nature and operation to those of other epidemics. The 
following, then, according to my understanding of the subject, are 
the causes not only of this disease among swine, but also of the 
disease referred to among cattle, as well as of epidemics in the 
human race : 

1. An epidemic atmospherical poison. 

2. The local conditions or circumstances adapted to receive and 
propagate the poison existing in the atmosphere. 

With regard to the first cause, the atmospherical poison, very 
little is certainly known. It may be an animal or vegetable exist- 



* The phrase "epidemic disease among animals" is incorrect, as the word 
"epidemic" can properly be applied only to diseases of the human race. The 
word "epizootic" has the same meaning with reference to diseases among ani- 
mals that the word " epidemic " has with reference to diseases among men. 



DISEASES OF SWINE. 733 

ence, or a chemical or electrical change in the atmosphere. Nor 
do we know any thing of the differences in the condition of the 
atmosphere by which such dissimilar epidemic and epizootic dis- 
eases are produced at different times. But, judging from their 
effects, we conclude that these primary causes of epidemics proba- 
bly exist in the atmosphere ; that they progress over a greater or 
less extent of country, in accordance with laws with which we are 
not acquainted, and, lighting upon the earth, produce their effects 
wherever they find the local conditions adapted to their propaga- 
tion. 

The local conditions, or causes of this disease among swine, 
are more obvious and better understood. They are, briefly, im- 
pure air, arising from the filth with which the animals are sur- 
rounded, the location and want of ventilation of the pens in which 
they are kept, the use of improper and unhealthy food, and the 
want of pure water. Common sense shows that cleanliness, good 
food, pure air, and pure water are as important to prevent disease 
in hogs as in men, though the fact is generally ignored by those 
who have the care of these animals. Another condition, though 
not absolutely essential to produce the disease, has a very great 
influence in increasing its severity and fatality. It is the crowd- 
ing of large numbers of animals together. It is a well-established 
fact that the severity and fatality of cholera, and of other epidem- 
ics in the human family, is in direct proportion to the density of 
the population. The coexistence of both the causes given — namely, 
the atmospherical poison and the local conditions — is necessary for 
the extensive development of the disease. When both these causes 
are present in any locality, and healthy animals are brought into 
the locality, a portion of them, and sometimes all, will contract 
the disease. But this important fact is to be remembered, that 
•both these causes may exist in a locality whethei any animals are 
present or not. 

Perhaps I have said more than some might think necessary in 
relation to the causes of the disease ; but the subject is of the ut- 
most importance in its relations to preventive measures. If this 
and other similar diseases are not contagious, but arise from causes 
which may, and do, originate and exist wholly independent of the 
presence of animals, it is manifestly absurd to attempt, as has been 
done in some cases, to prevent and eradicate them by the whole- 
sale destruction of the animals. 



734 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Prevention. — Keeping in mind the causes of the disease as I 
have given them, the measures necessary for prevention are obvious, 
and may be stated in a very few words. They are, to remove, as 
far as possible, the causes. The general cause existing in the at- 
mosphere can not be removed, nor can it be avoided, except by the 
removal of the animals beyond the limits of its existence, and this 
is not usually practicable. But the local causes can, to a very 
great extent, be removed, and without these the general cause can 
not produce any very serious results. The hogs can be removed 
from their filthy pens and can be kept clean ; they can be removed 
from low ground to more elevated places; they can be separated 
and isolated as far as possible ; they can be allowed an abundance 
of pure air and of pure cold water ; and they can be supplied with 
nourishing, healthy food. In a word, they can be placed in the 
conditions which common sense shows to be essential to health, 
whether of hogs or of other animals. When this is done, every 
thing is done that is necessary or possible for the prevention of 
this as well as of other similar diseases. 

Treatment. — In the treatment of a disease of this character, we 
have little to expect from the specific or direct action of medicine 
of any kind. The most that we can hope to do is to support the 
system so as to enable Nature to overcome the disease. In a hu- 
man being, with a disease of a similar character, we should first 
remove the patient to a healthy locality, and provide for an ample 
supply of pure air and good nursing. This, faithfully done, would 
be the most important step toward recovery. We should then 
give, as the symptoms might require, beef-tea or broths, milk, 
wine-whey, brandy, quinine, and other similar preparations, al- 
ways remembering that the object is to sustain the animal powers 
so as to enable the system to withstand the depressing effects of 
the poison and free itself from its presence. 

The treatment of hogs with this disease must be of .a similar 
character. Stimulants and tonics of some description, with plenty 
of pure air, pure water, and suitable nourishment must be given. 
Chlorate of potash, in full doses, from its known effects on the 
human subject, has been proposed as a remedy, but of its value I 
am unable to speak. Powdered charcoal is undoubtedly of some 
value, when scattered freely about the pens and given to some ex- 
tent in the food. But, in the severer cases, treatment of any kind 
is generally unsuccessful, and if successful would cost more than 



DISEASES OF SWINE. 735 

the animal is worth. We might succeed, by the use of the reme- 
dies named, and by careful nursing, in prolonging the life of the 
diseased hog;»but success of this kind would hardly compensate 
the trouble and expense necessary to secure it. But a large num- 
ber of the milder cases will recover without treatment of any kind, 
and in this, as in other epidemics of a similar nature, it will be 
found that the first cases that occur will be very severe, and will 
nearly all prove fatal ; while, after the epidemic has existed for a 
time, the disease will seem to become more mild, and a much larger 
proportion will recover. The important fact to be remembered is, 
that it is for the interest of the owner of these animals to use every 
possible means to prevent the disease, as prevention is of infinitely 
more importance to him than treatment ; but if the disease becomes 
established, it should be treated in a rational manner, not forget- 
ting that Nature, when properly aided, will do infinitely more than 
medicine for the cure. 

Note. — The above valuable article on " Hog Cholera " is from the pen of Dr. 
E. M. Snow and is the most reliable one ever published on this disease. 



DR. DADD'S REMEDY FOR "HOG CHOLERA." 

No. 149. Powdered anthracite coal 4 pounds. 

Powdered ginger 1 pound. 

Powdered sulphur \ pound. 

Salt 7 ofc. 

Phosphate of lime . , 1 pound 

Mix. 

Let each aifected animal have one handful of the above mix- 
ture every day. Mix it in a pint of dry oatmeal. If the animal 
refuses to eat it, liquefy the same with cow's milk, and give as a 
drench. 



736 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



TRICHINA SPIRALIS. 



The American people have been startled lately by the published 
accounts of a new and terrible disease in Germany, and especially 
in Saxony, which brings to mind some of the most dreadful plagues 
of Egypt. The disease in question, termed Trichuriasis, caused 
by the ravages on the human muscle of a minute worm, called Tri- 
chinis Spiralis, coming so close upon the cattle disease, did, in- 




TEICHINA SPIRALIS AND OVA, AS SEEN IN THE MUSCLES OF THE HUMAN SUBJECT, MAGNI- 
FIED ABOUT TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY TIMES. 



deed, to the ignorant, appear to justify some of the recent prophecies 
of Dr. Cumming, but to the more intelligent, and especially to the 
medical mind, it came as an old story. Singularly enough, the 
worm which is now occupying the attention of German anatomists 
was discovered as long ago as 1835, by Professor Owen. Both 
Mr. John Hilton, a demonstrator of anatomy at Guy's, and Mr. 
Thormald, the demonstrator at St. Bartholomew's, had, two years 
previously, observed small white bodies interspersed among the 
muscles of subjects under dissection, and that they were of a gritty 



DISEASES OF SWINE. 



737 



character was evident from the manner in which they turned the 
edges of the knives. One of these specimens of affected muscle 
was, in the year mentioned, given to Prpfessor Owen by Mr. 
Paget, then a student, for inspection. These speckles the dis- 
tinguished anatomist discovered, under the microscope, to be the 
capsule of a very fine worm, which was seen coiled up closely 
within it. From its hair-like fineness, its discoverer derived the 
term Trichina, and from the spiral manner in which it was invaria- 
bly found coiled up within its envelope, he added the word Spiralis ; 
hence the name by which it is known. 




TRICHINA SPIRALIS IN PORK, MAGNIFIED ABOUT TWO HUNDRED DIAMETERS. 
AFTER AN ORIGINAL DRAWING BY MR. DRAPER. 



An account of this newly-discovered parasite was published by 
Professor Owen, in the " Transactions of the Zoological Society," 
in 18.35, headed, "Description of a Microscopic Entozoon infest- 
ing the Muscles of the Human Body." This paper gave a very 
minute account of the creature, illustrated with drawings, and es- 
tablished his claim to be the discoverer of one of our latest-found 
inhabitants, which has made such a sensation in the world. The 
discovery made much noise at the time throughout Europe, and 
the Professor's paper drew the attention of the anatomists of Eu- 
rope to the worm. But one or two cases were recorded of the 
presence of the parasite in the human body, and the matter re- 
mained in abeyance for some years, until the German professors 
again drew attention to it, and completed our knowledge of its 
method of introduction. Professor Luschka, of Tubingen, car- 
47 



738 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

ried our knowledge of the worm, perhaps, up to the highest point 
anatomically, and in the same year the method of transmission of 
the worm from one animal to another was made out by a series of 
experiments instituted by Herbst von Nachrichten. He gave 
the flesh of a hedge-hog, which he knew to be infested with tri- 
china, to young dogs, and speedily found that all their voluntary 
muscles were full of these worms. But, although this important 
step was made out, little notice was taken of it. His experiments 
were repeated in Scotland and England, but the peculiar manner 
in which the worm got into the muscle was yet undiscovered. 

Kenker, in 1860, was lucky enough to supply this knowledge. 
The body of a servant girl, who had died with many of the symp- 
toms of typhus fever, came under the inspection of the anatomist. 
He found her voluntary muscles to be full of trichinae ; and upon 
inquiring into her case, he found that she had assisted in the mak- 
ing of sausages about three weeks before she was taken ill, and 
that she had eaten some of the raw meat a few days before her ill- 
ness commenced. The butcher who had killed the pig, and sev- 
eral members of the family, had been affected in the same manner 
as the girl, but had recovered. The sausages and hams were ex- 
amined, and were found to be full of worms, encapsuled, as it is 
termed, or surrounded with an envelope; but in the girl the 
worms were found among the muscles, in a free state. 

From this evidence the manner in which the parasite obtained 
entrance to the human body was fully made out. Pork (uncooked 
pork) was the vehicle by means of which the parasite was enabled 
to enter the human body. But, says the reader, why should pork 
only be the means of conveying the entozoa to the human body ? 
The reason is that the pig is the only animal eaten by man that 
is partially a carnivorous feeder. It is supposed that the pig ob- 
tains them from dead rats, which are often infested with these 
worms, or other garbage. Birds, although carrion feeders, can 
not, for some unknown reason, be infested with the worms. In 
the horse, calf, and the young and old dog, says Dr. Thudichum, 
the young trichinae are born, but they can not pierce the intestines, 
and, therefore, can not immigrate into the flesh. Of course, it is 
just possible that the worm may be conveyed, like the tape- worm, 
through the medium of impure water. We are not likely to drink 
this, but it often happens that fruit and vegetables are watered 
from impure tanks, into which these creatures may have got. 



DISEASES OF SWINE. 739 

It is certainly an objection to the modern system of watering 
with liquid manure, that in this way the tape-worm, and possibly 
the trichina, may find their way on to the vegetables which we 
eat, and in this way we may be receiving noxious intestinal worms 
into our system. For instance, some people water their strawber- 
ries with liquid manure, not thinking of the little serpent that 
may be hidden in the fruit. It is now known that, after entering 
the alimentary canal, the parasite finds its breeding-ground, and 
brings forth immense numbers of young, which immediately begin 
to make their way through the coats of the intestines and migrate 
into the muscles. 

It is a singular fact that these disagreeable adventurers always 
select the voluntary muscles, or those which are moved at our will. 
The heart and kidneys, and those parts of the viscera which act 
independently of the will, are scarcely ever affected. It is, in- 
deed, a matter of dispute how the worms get distributed so gen- 
erally over the body, some anatomists asserting that they make 
their way directly by boring, as the ship-worm bores through 
a piece of timber ; but Dr. Thudichum, who was appointed, in 
1864, to investigate the subject, by the medical officer of the Privy 
Council, asserts that they enter the circulation, and are, in this 
manner, distributed equally over every part of the body. To use 
his words: "Arrived in the capillaries (terminal blood-vessels), 
they penetrate.their two-coated walls, separating the fibers as a man 
separates the branches of a hedge, when creeping through it, and 
are now either at once in muscular tissue, their proper feeding- 
ground, or get into inhospitable tissues and cavities, and there 
either perish or escape from them by a renewed effort at locomo- 
tion, enter the circulation a second time, and ultimately perish 
in the lungs, or arrive in some muscle to obtain a late asylum." 

This hypothesis, certainly, seems the most reasonable, as it is in 
agreement with the known means by which other entozoa migrate. 
Arrived at the muscular tissues, it seems again questionable whether 
the worm attacks the muscle only, or whether it is not deposited 
in the intervals which occur between the bundles of muscles. 
Letjckhart says they penetrate the sarcolemma, and eat the 
muscular fiber itself. Dr. Thudichum says that he has never 
seen but once the worm in the muscle, but always outside of it. 
It is certainly a strange fact that, in many cases, persons attacked 
with trichiniasis have not only perfectly recovered from its effects, 



740 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

but have become as strong as ever. It could scarcely have hap- 
pened that the muscles of these patients had been fed upon by 
vast colonies of worms, which would have inevitably destroyed 
them beyond repair. The probability is that the worm finds its 
way into all the tissues. Between the third and fourth week after 
immigration, the trichina has become full-grown, and now it be- 
gins to prepare its capsule. It becomes fixed to the spot in which 
it is, solid matter is deposited around it, and, curled up, it lies im- 
movable in its plastic capsule, and dies unless received again into 
the alimentary canal of another animal, which, in this case, of 
course, it never does. The presence of these encapsuled trichina? 
in the muscles may cause irritation, but that speedily subsides; 
and it is pretty clear that many persons suffer little harm from 
them while thus curled up, as they have been found in the bodies 
of subjects that have been dissected, and whose previous history 
gave no evidence of their existence. 

On the other hand, the disease, when severe, puts on many of 
the characteristic symptoms of well-known diseases. The fever 
caused by the presence of the parent worms in the intestines may 
be, as, indeed, it often has been, taken for gastric fever. Then, 
again, when the young worms are immigrating into the muscles, 
the most excruciating agony seizes the patient. He can not move 
a muscle without the utmost pain, and he lies generally upon his 
back, with his legs a little apart, covered with perspiration. The 
face and neck become tumid with a dropsical effusion, which 
generally extends to the legs and abdomen. An attack of acute 
rheumatic fever appears to have seized the individual, but for the 
want of the heart symptoms. Again, the disease stimulates chol- 
era and typhus, and, indeed, poisoning, in many of its symptoms ; 
but those who have seen a genuine case of trichiniasis can not be 
deceived, as the whole symptoms present are consistent with no 
other disease. In cases of doubt, a piece of the living muscle has 
been excised from the biceps muscle of the arm ; and this test is 
almost certain to be conclusive, as the worm is distributed, in 
severe cases, in profusion through every voluntary muscle of the 
entire body. 

Dr. Thudichum, speaking of a child who died of this disease, 
says, in his report to Mr. Simon: "One preparation from the 
biceps muscle of a child, four and a half years of age, which died 
on the seventy-ninth day, contained the astounding number of 



DISEASES OF SWINE. 741 

fifty-eight. Such a preparation was estimated to weigh one-fifth 
of a grain, and, therefore, every grain of muscle contained, on an 
average, one hundred trichinae. Now, assuming the weight of the 
muscles of an adult to be only forty pounds, and assuming him to 
be a victim of trichiniasis, and the parasites equally distributed 
throughout his body, he would contain upward of twenty-eight 
millions of these animals." The agony of this plague of worms 
attacking the fine fibers of nerves distributed throughout the 
frame can, from this estimate, be thoroughly understood in the 
fever and weakness caused by the destruction of fiber, and the. 
irritation is accounted for with equal ease. 

The progress of the disease is pretty much as follows : During 
the first stage, which lasts from a week to ten days, there is great 
intestinal disturbance, caused by the presence of the parent trich- 
inae in the intestines, giving rise, in severe cases, to alarming diar- 
rhea, as may be expected. The second stage lasts a fortnight or 
three weeks, seldom longer. During this time the immigration 
of the young trichinae, hatched in the intestinal passage, is taking 
place; hence the agony throughout the body, the dropsy in the 
face, the hurried breathing, and the fever. Although the dropsy 
becomes genuine, it in no manner depends upon kidney disease, 
as that organ is never affected in any way. In the fourth week 
the immigration has entirely ceased, and the worm is beginning 
to be incapsulated. From this time the patient begins to recover, 
the appetite improves, the pains become less, and, unless compli- 
cations arise, as in other severe fevers, the patient gradually passes 
into a state of health. Death may, however, take place at any 
stage of the disease. At the great outbreak of this disease which 
took place at Calbe, in Germany, it was observed to happen on 
the fifth, eighth, fourteenth, twenty-first, and forty-second clays 
of the illness. Death generally is brought about by exhaustion. 
The exhaustive diarrhea which sometimes occurs, together with the 
inability to take food, and the terrible agony, easily explains this 
termination. 

The difficulty connected with the treatment of this disease is 
consequent upon the impossibility of knowing what is really the 
matter in its early stages, when treatment is alone useful. In 
regular outbreaks of the disease the physician is led to suspect the 
evil in the beginning, and then it can be cut short by destroying 
and expelling the parent worms before they have had time to col- 



742 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

onize the intestines with their young. But at the commencement 
of an outbreak, or in isolated cases, the symptoms are too like 
those of gastric fever to lead to a suspicion of the real nature of 
the affection. 

A prevention is far better than cure, and, happily, this can be 
easily accomplished. As pork is the only means by which the par- 
asite can enter the human frame, we have only to take care that we 
eat it thoroughly cooked. The Englishman has a very strong prej- 
udice in favor of doing his leg of pork well, however much he may 
like beef and mutton underdone. The Germans are apt to suffer 
desperate outbreaks of this disease because they are fond of smoked 
sausages, in which no heat is applied to the meat. The severity 
of the infection depends, indeed, upon the amount of cooking to 
which the trichinous meat has been subjected, and the order in 
which it is affected is as follows : Raw meat, smoked sausages, cer- 
velat sausages, raw smoked ham, raw smoked sausage, fried sau- 
sage, fried meat-balls, brawn, pickled pork, blood sausage, boiled 
pork. As few people are likely to eat raw pork, there seems little 
danger to be apprehended from the most dangerous item in the 
list; but it is well to know that boiled pork is, in all cases, the 
most harmless. The power of the worm to resist heat and cold is 
very remarkable. They have been frozen to five degrees below 
centigrade, and been thawed to life again. Ordinary vermifuges 
are powerless against them. Their vitality is as great as the wheel- 
worm, which seems almost indestructible. Let our friends, then, 
take care never to touch the smallest portion of underdone pork, 
and beware of German sausages, bolognas, and things of the same 
kind, as they would beware of an assassin. 

Before the discovery of the new disease, trichiniasis, several 
epidemics occurred in Germany, which very much puzzled the 
physicians. In two or three cases it was supposed that the per- 
sons suffering had been poisoned in some mysterious manner, and 
judicial inquiries were instituted without any result. More gen- 
erally, however, the outbreaks were ascribed to rheumatic fever, 
or typhus fever. It was observed, at the time of their occurrence, 
that the outbreaks were confined to particular families, regiments, 
or villages. The symptoms, then obscure, are now recognized as 
those of trichiniasis; indeed, there seems to be little doubt that 
they were outbreaks of this disorder. They all occurred in the 
spring of the year, the time of pig-sticking in Germany, and the 



DISEASES OF SWINE. 743 

very characteristic swelling of the face, in the absence of any kid- 
ney disease, was observed. 

The mortality arising from this disease is in direct ratio of the 
severity of the attack, and this depends upon the number of 
worms which may chance to be introduced into the body. One 
pig is sufficient to cause an epidemic far and wide ; indeed, many 
of those which have ravaged Germany within these last three or 
four years have been traced to one trichinous pig. At the out- 
break at Planen one person died out of thirty attacked. At Calbe, 
where the epidemic was more severe, seven persons died out of 
thirty-eight infected; at Hettstadt, where one trichinous pig in- 
fected one hundred and fifty-eight persons, twenty-eight died. 
From these facts the formidable nature of the infection may be 
gathered. 

If sudden epidemics can be traced to the action of an obscure 
worm, may we not hope that many of our disorders, now obscure 
in their origin, and, consequently, unmanageable and incurable, 
will in time come to light, and be amenable to treatment ? Pos- 
sibly some more subtle power even than the microscope will be 
discovered, and give us the power of scrutinizing diseased condi- 
tions, and finding out the agents so stealthily at work in bringing 
the human machine to misery and premature death. 

The following very interesting and valuable article on the sub- 
ject of Trichina is translated from the German, expressly for this 
work, by E. F. Brown, V . S., of Chicago : 

The Trichina (Trichina Spiralis) was known to exist as early as 
1832, and in 1835 received its name from Mr. Owen. It was 
considered, until the year 1860, to be perfectly harmless. Autop- 
sies revealed the parasite as a very small speck, surrounded by a 
white, chalky capsule. In the Infirmary of Dresden, the servant 
girl of a butcher died after suffering violent pains in the muscles. 
The autopsy revealed numerous trichinae not surrounded by cap- 
sules, hence they were not to be seen with the naked eye. After 
this, closer inquiries were made into the nature and habits of the 
trichina?. The result of the investigations proved that the trichinae 
are generated in the hog, and introduced into our system, not with 
the fat or liver, but with the lean pork ; and they are sometimes 
found in capsules, and at others without them, and that the cap- 
sules are very soon destroyed, after their introduction into the 



744 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



system, and thus the inclosed parasites are set free. The hyber- 
nated trichinae grow very fast, so that they attain, in about three 
days, twice their original length, and in the same ratio alter their 
appearance. Nothing of their generative organs was then known, 
but now the creatures can be plainly distinguished as male and 
female. They enter iryto very productive marriages, because one 




Explanation.— Fig. 1, Trichinous pork, as seen with the naked eye ; 2, Young minute trichinae 
roving about, magnified forty diameters; 3, Trichinae in capsules, magnified forty diame- 
ters ; 4, Female trichina ; 5, Male trichina, magnified two hundred diameters, (a) Head ; 
(b) the tail. Near the female trichina is seen the ova and their young ones, just escaped 
from the genital organs. 



female brings forth, in a very short time, hundreds of live young 
ones. These new-born trichinae do not resemble their producers, 
for they are without any generative organs. They are very much 
like the parasite when first introduced into our system with the 
pork. 

The young trichinae remain not at home, like the old ones, but 



DISEASES OF SWINE. 745 

at once commence to travel. They break through the intestines 
and enter the muscles known as the voluntary, where they con- 
tinue their march until they have found, in the finest fibers, a place 
fit for their encapsulation. On their journey to such locality they 
can not be seen with the naked eye, but only by means of a micro- 
scope. They wander in the shape as presented in fig. 2, straight, 
or slightly bent. After they arrive at their destination, they curve 
or bend themselves in various ways, and thus make their way into 
the flesh fibers, and then they roll themselves up in their spindle- 
formed nest, which is spiral in form, like a watch-spring. The 
mass around the nest is, in the beginning, soft and transparent, 
but by degrees it becomes converted into a hard, impenetrable shell. 
These shells can be seen in the flesh with the naked eye. They 
are the fine, white spots as seen in fig. 1. The trichina lives now 
in a perfectly-closed sac, or lemon-formed capsule, and is perfectly 
harmless. In this state, it seems that the trichina can exist in a 
latent state, for many years. From some cause or other, the chalk 
capsules get dissolved, and the hybernating parasites (until now 
without any genital organs) become males and females, and produce 
young ones, who live and act just as their predecessors — namely, 
generate, travel, etc. Accordingly, we find in the human and 
animal body (mostly in the hog) male and female trichinae, and 
those in the stomach either straight or slightly bent. These new- 
born trichinse, in the stomach and intestines, very soon become 
muscle trichina?, to be encapsuled, like the hermit in his cell. 

Every trichina is pointed at the mouth (a) and rounded at the 
other end (6), the pelvis. Between both openings is the gullet and 
intestines. The female trichina is about an eighth of an inch long, 
and has in its hind part (b) a bag containing about sixty or eighty 
balls (the ovary with eggs). Connected is a pipe conveying the 
trichina?, which come from the ova as live parasites, by the vagina. 
How long the parent can exist and generate can not be told, though 
it is supposed that it exists for three or four weeks after giving 
birth to the offspring. The male trichina is about half as large as 
the female, and on its posterior end (6) is a prominence divided 
into two flaps. His anterior construction shows the spermatic ves- 
sels. The new-born trichina? without genitals are only to be seen 
when well magnified. They are very small, and are those which, 
after penetrating the intestines and the cellular texture of the ab- 
domen and cavity of the chest, enter the muscles, to be encapsuled. 



746 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

The traveling trichina? (fig. 2) grow very fast on their journey. 
Finding food on their way, they roll themselves up just as they 
are about becoming encapsuled. In the course of a few weeks the 
parasite has almost attained its full length, but, not having any 
generative organs, it can not multiply. It is supposed that the 
encapsulated trichinae can live for several years, whereas the parents 
die in about six or eight weeks. 

It is not denied that the trichinae are dangerous to the human 
subject, but the danger only occurs when the parasites are very 
numerous in the intestines and muscles. It is certain that a very 
few small pieces of trichinous pork can introduce a great many 
males and females into the system, that in a few days may send 
millions of young parasites into our muscles. The more trichin- 
ous food is eaten, and the more those parasites are introduced 
into the system, and the longer they remain there, the greater must 
be the suffering and danger. The parts affected or visited by the 
trichinae are the stomach, intestines, and muscles ; and if this para- 
site is once introduced in the animal system, it produces an incur- 
able disease, for which there is no remedy. It is well for those 
who are fond of pork to be very cautious, and cook it thoroughly, 
because, if well cooked, the death of the parasite is sure. 




A LIST OF FLUID EXTRACTS, 

RECENTLY INTRODUCED INTO VETERINARY PRACTICE, 

By G. H. DADD, V. S., 

WITH INSTRUCTION REGARDING THEIR ACTION, AND 
THE QUANTITY TO BE ADMINISTERED. 



THE introduction of medicines, in the form of Fluid Ex- 
tracts, for the treatment of diseases incidental to domestic 
animals is considered a very great improvement over the old 
method of drenching by the pint or quart, to the great disgust of 
the patient as well as the practitioner, and the great danger attend- 
ing the administration of a large quanty of fluid which was neces- 
sary when crude materials were used. In the use of fluid extracts 
all danger is obviated and much labor saved, for the doses are 
quite small, rarely exceeding one fluid ounce. This can be merely 
placed on the tongue, the animal's head being slightly elevated, 
and he swallows it without any difficulty or resistance. 

The fluid extracts bear an exact relation to the crude materials — 
that is, ounce for ounce — yet, from a variety of circumstances, they 
may vary slightly from this standard. It is, however, the inten- 
tion of the manufacturer to completely exhaust the active principle 
of the crude material and render the medicine uniform in strength. 
The fluid extracts used by the author are manufactured by Messrs. 
Garrison & Co., manufacturing chemists, of Chicago. They con- 
duct their evaporations at a very low temperature, by means of an 
improved steam bath, and use only select drugs, thereby prevent- 
ing the possibility of adulteration. I have used large quantities 
of medicine manufactured by the above-named firm, and find them 

(747) 



748 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

equal if not superior to any in the market; therefore I do not 
hesitate to recommend them as efficient and reliable medicines. 
The doses here recommended apply to both horses and cattle. 

Fluid Extract of Chamomile. 

(Anthemis Nobilis.) 

This is a valuable tonic, and is used in cases of derangement of 
the digestive organs. Dose, -from two to four drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Arnica. 

» 

(Leopard s-bane.) 

Arnica is chiefly used in veterinary practice as an external ap- 
plication in the treatment of wounds, sprains, and bruises. It is 
prepared as follows : 

Fluid extract of arnica 4 oz. 

Proof spirits (equal parts of water and alcohol) ... 1 pint. 
Mix. 

Apply a portion to the affected part two or three times daily. 
Fluid Extract of Wormwood. 

(Artemisia Absinthium.) 

This is used as an anthelmintic for the expulsion of worms. 
The dose is one ounce (fluid), to be given every morning for a 
week, just before feeding-time. It not only has a tendency to ex- 
pel worms, but gives tone to the digestive organs, and corrects a 
morbid appetite. 

Fluid Extract of Pleurisy Root. 

(Asclepias Tuberosa.) 

This is used in pleurisy and irritable sore throat. Dose, four 
drachms, night and morning. The powdered root enters into the 
composition of some of the most celebrated cough powders. 

Fluid Extract of Male Fern. 

(Aspidium Filix Mas.) 

This is the celebrated remedy for the treatment of tape- worm, 
which is sometimes to be found in the intestines of young colts. 



LIST OF FLUID EXTRACTS. 749 

Dose, four drachms, to be given every morning, on an empty 
stomach, for six or eight successive days, and longer if necessary. 

Fluid Exteact of Buchu. 

(Barosma Crenata.) 

This is used exclusively for the treatment of diseases of the 
urinary organs, retention of the urine, and for the treatment of 
the various forms of dropsy. Its direct action is diuretic, yet it 
also gives tone to the parts on which it acts. Dose, from four to 
eight drachms. Should an animal be suffering from retention of 
the urine, the diuretic action of the buchu may be augmented by 
adding to it a small quantity (equal parts) of sweet spirits of niter. 
For the treatment of spasm at the neck of the bladder, add to the 
dose of buchu an equal quantity of tincture of assafetida. 

Fluid Exteact of Indian Hemp (Foeeign). 

( Cannabis Indicus Sativus.) 

This medicine acts as a narcotic and antispasmodic. Its use is 
indicated in all diseases attended with pain and restlessness, but is 
chiefly used for the treatment of tetanus or locked-jaw. Dose, 
two drachms, to be repeated as occasion may require. 

Fluid Exteact of Peince's Pine. 

(Pipsissewa.) 

Prince's pine is a very excellent tonic and diuretic in chronic 
diseases of the urinary organs, and has been used with much suc- 
cess in cases of local dropsy of the limbs, known as swelled legs. 
Dose, from four to six drachms. 

Fluid Exteact of Black Snakeeoot. 

( Cirnicifuga Eacemosa.) 

This extract is considered a valuable agent for the treatment of 
spasmodic affections, which arise in consequence of derangement 
of some portion of the nervous system. It is an efficient remedy 
in hysteria. 



750 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Fluid Extract of Colchicum. 

(Colchicum Auiumnale.) 

This extract is prepared from the roots and seeds of the plant. 
It is celebrated for the treatment of rheumatism, inflammatory 
diseases of the joints, and inter-articular lameness. Dose, one 
drachm, two or three times per day. 

Fluid Extract of Yellow Jessamine. 

[Gelseminum Sempervirens.) 

This agent is used as a sedative in the treatment of pleurisy and 
pneumonia in the early or acute stage. It is also a powerful febri- 
fuge, hence it is indicated in all acute fevers. It entirely dis- 
penses with use of the fleam. Dose, from one to three drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Witch-hazel. 

(Hamamelis Virginica.) 

Witch-hazel is used as a local astringent in the treatment of 
"bog and blood spavin." It is prepared for use as follows : 

Fluid extract of witch-hazel 6 oz. 

Proof spirits 1 pint. 

Mix. 

Apply a portion twice daily. 

Fluid Extract of Hops. 

(Humulus Lupulus.) 

This preparation of hops is used as a tonic in general debility, 
and as a narcotic in diseases of the nervous system. It is a relia- 
ble remedy to induce sleep and relieve pain. Dose, from two to 
four drachms, to be repeated as occasion seems to require. 

Fluid Extract of Golden Seal. 

[Hydrastis Canadensis.) 

The golden seal is a pure tonic, and its use is indicated in all 
cases of debility, loss of appetite, derangement of the digestive 
organs, and torpidity of the liver. Dose, from two to four 
drachms. 



list of fluid extracts. 751 

Fluid Extract of Sassafras. 

All the preparations of sassafras are more or less alterative. 
The fluid extract is used in view of purifying the blood in diseases 
of the skin, and in cases of chronic rheumatism. Dose, from four 
to six drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Culver's Root. 

(Leplandra Virginica.) 

This is employed, in the author's practice, as a substitute for 
calomel, in the treatment of acute and chronic diseases of the liver. 
Dose, from two to four drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Lobelia. 

Lobelia is a very valuable antispasmodic, and is useful in dis- 
eases of a spasmodic character. The author has used it, with great 
success, in obstinate cases of spasmodic colic. Dose, two drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Bayberry. 

(Myrica Cerifera.) 

Bayberry is successfully used as a stimulant and astringent in 
scours, diarrhea, and super-purgation. Dose, two drachms, to be 
administered in a small quantity of milk porridge. 

Fluid Extract of Poppy-heads. 

(Papaver Somniferium.) 

This is used as a narcotic, in all cases that seem to require the 
exhibition of opium. It mitigates pain, induces sleep and rest, 
and is much safer than crude opium. Dose, from two to six 
drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Poke-root. 

(Phytolacca Decandra.) 

This is used as an alterative in a disease occurring among cows, 
known as " garget," or " caked udder." Dose, from two to four 
drachms. 



752 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY! 

Fluid Extract of Matico. 

[Piper Angus tifolium.) 

This is used as a styptic to bleeding wounds, internal hemor- 
rhages, and chronic diarrhea. Dose, from four to eight drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Cubebs. 

This is a very valuable agent for the treatment of leucorrhea, 
gleet, nasal gleet, or discharges from mucous surfaces. Dose, from 
three to six drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Black Pepper. 

[Piper Nigrum.) 

This is a carminative and stimulant to the digestive organs, 
and is often used successfully in the treatment of stomach stag- 
gers. Dose, from two to four drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Mandrake. 

[Podophyllum Pellatum.) 

Mandrake is now used as a laxative and cathartic, in lieu of 
aloes. About one ounce will usually purge a horse, if followed 
up by sloppy bran-mashes. 

Fluid Extract of Bloodroot. 

[Sanguinaria Canadensis.) 

This is used as an escharotic in the treatment of foul ulcers, 
and fungus growths. It is used, also, as a gargle in suppurative 
laryngitis, croup, putrid sore throat, etc. The gargle is prepared 
as follows: 

Fluid extract of bloodroot 4 oz. 

Vinegar 1 pt. 

Mix. 

It is applied to the mouth and throat by means of a sponge, 
affixed to a piece of rattan or whalebone. 



LIST OF FLUID EXTRACTS. 753 

Fluid Extract of Valerian. 

( Valerian Officinalis.) 

This is a very useful antispasmodic, and its use is indicated in 
all cases marked by irregular nervous action and hysterical affec- 
tions. Dose, four drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Ginger. 

(Zinziberis Officinalis.) 

Fluid extract of ginger is one of the most valuable diffusible 
stimulants to be found in the whole materia medica. The Ja- 
maica ginger is preferable to any other ; it is used in cases of indi- 
gestion, flatulency, etc. Dose, from three to six drachms. 

Fluid Extract of Ginger enters into the composition of the cele- 
brated colic drench, used by the author of this work and his 
students, during a period of twenty -five years, with marked suc- 
cess. The following is the formula : 

Fluid extract of ginger ") each ^ . . , 1 \h fluid. 

Fluid extract of golden seal. .J 

Hyposulphite of soda 6 oz. 

Dose, four ounces (fluid) every four hours, until relief is ob- 
tained. 

Eemedy for Wounds. 

Apply a compress of several folds of cotton cloth, soaked in a 
portion of the following : 

Balsam fir 1 lb. 

Hyposulphite of soda 2 oz. 

Proof spirit. 1 pt. 

Mix. 

Remedy for Tedious Labor. 

The natural labor-pains may be excited by administering: 
fluid extract of ergot (ergota), two drachms, every half hpur, 
until delivery is accomplished. The ergot operates with great 
energy upon the contractile function of the uterus, of both mares 
and cows, and to a certain extent prevents inordinate hemorrhage 
after parturition. 

48 



754 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



Remedy for Hemorrhage in Performing Operations. 

Apply, by means of a compress of linen or sponge, a small 
quantity of persulphite of iron. This is the most valuable styptic 
known to veterinary science. 

Fluid Extract of Aconite. 

(Aconitum Napellus — Monk's-hood.) 

This medicine is used as a very powerful sedative and narcotic, 
in all cases of active or inflammatory disease of the lungs or brain. 
It is highly recommended by the professors of our art as a reliable 
antiphlogistic in the treatment of acute affections. The dose is 
from ten to twenty drops. This medicine is said to be very effi- 
cacious in inflammatory rheumatism, and as a fine topical remedy 
in localized painful affections, such as laminitis, myalgia, etc. 

Hyposulphite of Soda. 

The hyposulphite of soda is useful in all kinds of diseases known 
as rinderpest, pleuro-pneumonia, typhoid affections, and in en- 
zootic affections, and in all diseases caused by fermentation in the 
blood, such as Texas fever, malignant scarlet fever, typhus, etc. 
The hyposulphite of soda can be used with great success in the 
treatment of the above and other affections of an enzootic origin, 
yet I have found it more efficacious and reliable when prepared 
as follows: 

Hyposulphite of soda ~\ 

Hypophosphate of lime. . . > each 1 oz. 

Hypophosphate of potass. . ) 

Fluid extract of ginger , . . . 2 oz. 

Sugar of milk 1 oz. 

Proof spirit 1 pt. 

Dose, two ounces, two or three times daily. 

























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A GUIDE TO DIAGNOSIS; 



COMPLETE INDEX OF SYMPTOMS 



The following Index of Symptoms is arranged under four heads, 
viz.: Diseases of Horses; Diseases of Cattle; Diseases 
of Sheep; Diseases of Swine. Each part is arranged alpha- 
betically, so that ready reference can be made to any symptom. 



HOW TO USE THIS INDEX. 

Animals when taken sick, not having the power of speech, can 
not make known the seat of their disease, except by certain signs 
or invariable symptoms. It therefore becomes of the highest im- 
portance to be able to understand the mute language of the poor 
dumb brute, and thus to find out what ails him, in order that the 
proper means of cure may be speedily made use of. 

An instance of the use to be made of this Index may be found 
in the following case : " A horse is noticed to breathe faster than 
usual, with evident pain ; back, arched ; legs, straddling ; head 
often turned toward the loins ; urine, reddened and scanty." Now, 
a reference to these symptoms, as arranged alphabetically, enables 
us to turn directly to page 223, where " Inflammation of the Kid- 
neys" is seen to be the disease we are looking for. 

The same thing can be done in case a cow, sheep, or hog be the 
victims of disease. 

In observing symptoms, attention should be directed to the 

(755) 



756 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

various parts of the body of the animal which give the earliest 
warnings of disease. These are, usually, 

The Eyes, Tongue, Muzzle, Throat, Pulse, Chest, Heart, 
Breath, Breathing ; Discharges from the Mouth ; Dis- 
charges from the Nostrils; The Skin, The Coat, The 
Back, The Attitude, and General Appearance of the 
whole Body. 



EQUINE DEPARTMENT. 

PAGES 

Abdomen, distended with gas 188 

do. pressure on, produces pain 198, 201 

Acute rheumatism 333 

" All in a heap " 350 

Anus, scurfy, yellow accumulation around margin of 220 

Anxiety 124 

Appetite, little 289 

do. loss of 116, 124, 201, 206, 223 

Back, arched 223, 332 

Back, muscles of, rigid 73 

Back, roached 350 

Belching, continually 183, 188 

Belly, cold sweat on 112 

do. dropsical swellings under 120, 397 

do. striking of. 193 

do. suddenly very much bloated 187 

do. pressure on causes pain 201, 198 

do. " tucked" up 74, 193 

Blood from bowels 297 

Body, becomes thin 299 

do. cold 94, 112 

do. covered with cold sweat 187, 188 

Bowels, bloody, fetid discharge from 112 

do. blood from, caused by straining 205 

do. inactive 198 

do. constipated 332 

do. irregular J* J 220 

Breath, hot and offensive 289 

do. smells badly 208 

Breathing, grunting 61, 62, 64 

do. labored and quick 187 



A GUIDE TO DIAGNOSIS. 757 

PAGES 

Breathing, quick and grunting 120 

do. quick and painful 223 

do. oppressed and slow 63, 206 

do. excited 78 

do. oppressed and noisy 94, 179 

do. croupy 97 

do. difficult 101, 183 

do. labored - 116 

Chest, pressure on side of, gives pain 120, 332 

do. dropsical swellings under . • • • 120 

do. tinkling sound in, when ear is held close to 124 

Chewing performed slowly. 75 

Coat, staring 206 

do. rough and unthrifty. 220, 275 

Convulsions "4 

Coughing, spasmodic 94 

do. and laborious breathing 108 

do. deep-seated and half suppressed 116 

Cough, dry and hacking 2^0 

Cramp of the muscles * • • • 70 

Darkness, preferred. • • • • ' ° 

Delirium ' ° 

CO 

Drowsiness 

Dung, unusually dark-colored and hard 99 

do. scanty 120 

do. covered with yellow slime 22 " 

' 997 

do. bloody 

Ears kept in constant motion, one forward the other backward. . . 43 

do. tips of, cold 97, 208 

do. cold 

no 

Excretions, diminished 

Extremities, cold 94 > 116 ' 208 

112 
do. dropsy of. * 

Eye, tenderness iu one, with eyelids closed 

do. copious flow of tears from 

do. white of, slightly red 

do. anterior chamber of, full of yellow matter 5b 

do. pupil of, dilated M. 61, 64, 179 

do. staring wildly 

do. do. as if they would burst from sockets ° * 

do. bloodshot 

Eyes, squinting appearance of. 



758 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

PAGES 

Eyes, dull 75 

do. prominent 97 

do. glassy and prominent 187 

do. dropsical 397 

Eyelids kept closed 46 

do. swollen 46 

do. internal surface of, red 46, 59, 201 

do. profuse discharge of matter from 55 

do. closed, with tenderness in one eye 56 

do. half shut 75 

do. lining of, white 206 

do. do. bright yellow 212 

Face, swelling of. 297, 397 

Falling down suddenly on the road . . , 64 

do. do. with a loud snorting sound 67 

Fear and restlessness on approach of heavy vehicle 43 

Feeling, loss of 64 

Feed refused 178, 223 

Feet, fore ones raised to an unnecessary height in walking 43 

do. raised very high , 75 

do. pawing with fore 190 

do. fore ones hot and thrown forward 332 

do. fore ones thrown forward 350 

Feverish symptoms 158, 198 

Flanks, bedewed with cold perspiration 97, 112 

do. heaving at the 116, 125 

do. head turned toward 190 

do. tucked up 350 

Flesh, quivering 350 

Flesh, loss of. 299 

Foaming at the mouth 67 

Food, no desire for . 178, 223 

Foot, pointing of. 330, 342 

Fore-legs widely separated 116 

do. beneath the belly 75 

do. in the manger, kicking and tearing 78 

Gait, heavy, slow, and unsteady 75, 289 

do. short, tripping, and cautious 330 

Groaning after passing urine 224 

Gums, covered with slime 112 

Hair, falls off in patches 275 

do. do. in circular patches on shoulders and sides 291 



A GUIDE TO DIAGNOSIS. 759 

PAGES 

Hair of neck and legs elevated in blotches 289 

do. rough, unthrifty, and not glossy 275, 299 

Haw, swollen 46 

do. shooting above, on raising the jaw 70 

Head, depressed and bent to one side 59 

do. hanging down. 183 

do. held drooping 116, 208 

do. kept elevated 43 

do. kept near the ground 179 

do. reposing on the manger 62 

do. swollen and dropsical 397 

do. tossed backward 61 

do. turning of to the sides 120 

do. turned to the belly 179 

do. turned toward flanks 190, 223 

do. violently thrust against the rack or wall 62 

Health, general, slightly impaired 158 

Heart, violent beating of 206 

Heaviness and indolence following suddenly on activity 75 

Heels, dry, horny scabs on 284 

do. pinched in 330 

do. ulcers on • • • • • 284 

Hind limbs become suddenly too weak to support the body 66 

Hock, enlargement at point of 322 

do. do. on inside of. 323 

Hock-joint, stiffness of 371 

Itching, severe 291 

Jaw, swelling under • 412 

Jugular veins congested • 124 

do. do. pulsate like an artery 124 

Lameness in hind leg 370 

Legs, cold - • • I"** 

do. hind, dropsical 120 

do. do. swollen ...;... 158 

do. do. widely separated 224 

do. straddling 223 

do. tremble 206 

Lethargy "" 

Limbs, cold 97 

do. swellings on 2 ^ « 

do. violently convulsed 67 

Lips, swelling of. 2 °7 



760 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

PAGES 

Listlessness 206 

Loins, pressure on causes pain and crouching 223 

Look, fixed and stupid . . 75 

Lying down and soon rising 112, 178 

Motion, loss of. 64 

do. tremulous of various parts of the body 64 

do. unwillingness of 116 

Mouth, bright yellow color of lining of 212 

do. cold , 124 

do. dried up Ill 

do. dry and clammy 75 

do. foaming at 67, 162 

do. hot and clammy , 116 

do. hot and dry 201 

do. membranes of, pale 397 

do. yellow tinge on the inside surface of 99 

Movement, stiff 332 

Neck, blotches on, after being driven 287 

do. cold sweats on 112 

do. muscles of, rigid 73 

do. tumor or swelling on nape of 293 

Nose, bleeding from 112 

do. gluey matter from 156 

do. lining of, pale 397 

Nostrils, dilated 97 

do. discharge from, streaked with blood 97 

do. mucous discharge from 102 

do. redness of lining membranes of Ill 

do. scarlet blotches in 289 

Pawing with fore-feet 63 

do. do. slightly 198 

Perspiration, profuse 78, 179 

do. do. and chilly 183 

Pulse, active 350 

do. feeble 188 

do. full, strong, and frequent 111,183 

do. hard and quickened 223 

do. nearly gone 94 

do. quick and oppressed 178 

do. slow and sluggish 63 

do. small and quick 158 

do. small and thready 97, 187 



A GUIDE TO DIAGNOSIS. 761 

PAGES 

Pulse, unnaturally strong 64 

do. variable 116 

do. wiry 74, 120 

Reeling and falling, on being urged to move 59 

Respiration quick and jerking 350 

Restlessness 178, 201 

Rolling 190, 205 

Rolling and tumbling 179, 183 

Rubbing, constant < 275 

Shivering fit, followed by discbarge from nostrils 108 

do. do. sligbt 116, 198 

Shoulder, wasting of. 324, 330 

Sides, blotcbes on, after being driven 287 

Skin, coldness of 124 

do. bot 201 

Sleep, deep and snoring 64 

Sleepiness ! 59, 62, 75, 212 

do. witb general fever 78 

Stamping and pawing continually 193, 205 

" Star-gazing " 43 

Steps, short and slow 332 

Stomach, pain in 178 

Strength, much reduced 178 

Swallow, loss of power to 64 

Sweating, cold 178 

do. profuse 78 

Tail, elevated and quivering 179 

do. great inclination to rub against posts and fences 220 

Tears, excessive flow of 46 

Thighs, corded swellings on inside of 158 

Teeth, covered with slime 112 

Thirst, great 120, 223, 289 

Throat, sore 108 

Toes, walking on , 342 

Tongue, foul '5 

do has a horny feel, and turns brown 112 

do. livid 94,187 

do. leaden colored . , 17 J 

do. of a bluish cast 205 

do. slightly coated 99, 198, 208 

Torpor 61 

Tottering and dropping down 205 



762 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

PAGES 

Turning, awkwardness in 75 

Unconsciousness 61 

Unsteadiness in moving 61, 208 

Urine, of a dark yellow color 99 

do. high colored 120, 332 

do. scanty. 208 

do. do. and red 223 

do. frequent and painful discharge of 224 

do. light colored, almos't transparent 230 

do. has the smell of musty hay 230 

do. bloody 237, 297 

Vomit, continued efforts to 183 

Vomiting, from both nostrils 187 

Walking, leaning to one side in' 75 

Windpipe, rattling sound in Ill 

Wind, from the bowels 179, 190 



BOVINE DEPARTMENT. 

Abdomen, enlarged and pendulous 506 

Appetite, loss of 434, 444, 447, 509, 545, 601 

do. morbid, inclining to eat bones, stone, etc 572 

do. small 619 

Back, arched upward 628 

do. slightly roached 533 

Bag, inflamed and swollen 517 

Bellowing, loudly 607 

Belly, much enlarged 506 

do. enlarged, with great pain in 489 

do. pressure upon, produces pain 480 

do. struck with hind feet 489 

do. sudden and severe pain in 480 

do. tucked up 480 

Blood, from the rectum 482 

do. voided in the urine , , 531 

Body, surface of, hot 628 

Bones, prominent 572 

Bowels, constipated * 573, 619 

do. large, watery discharges from 454 

do. yellow or greenish do 483 



A GUIDE TO DIAGNOSIS. 763 

PAGES 

Breast-bone, pressure upon, gives great pain 545 

Chest, sudden and irregular nervous action of the muscles of. . • . 606 

Coat, staring 601, 649 

Convulsions 641 

Cough, painful 455 

do. slight 444, 450 

do. suppressed 455 

Cramps 434 

« Cud lost " 613 

Debility 450, 506 

Difficulty, in rising 506 

Dullness 434, 533, 601 

Dung, hard 480 

do. do. and black 619 

do. lighter colored than usual '..... 628 

do. offensive odor from 449 

do. streaked with blood 480 

Ears, hot, drooping and moist 628 

Emaciation . , - • ■ • 450 

Expectoration • 450 

Eyeballs protrude (" stick out") 607 

Eyelids, much swollen 454 

do. of one eye irritated and swollen 559 

Eyes, pain and tenderness of 558 

do. visible surfaces of, highly reddened 545, 607, 641 

do. whites of, turned yellow 613 

do. wild look from 509 

Feet, cold 444 

Fever 450, 455 

Feverishness "-^ 

Fits, epileptic, accompanied by loud bellowing arid pawing the 

ground ""■*■ 

do. do. with running at any thing in reach 601 

Flanks, anxious gazing at, with moaning 482 

do. heavingat 447,480,619 

do. left one swollen and hard 471 

Flesh, rapid loss of. 449 

Foot, discharge of bad smelling matter from 623 

Frantic 600 

Frenzy 600 

Giddiness and nervousness ""^ 

Grunting, or moaning on being backed 455 



764 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

PAGES 

Gums, eruptions on 464 

do. swollen and black 654 

Hair, coarse and standing straight up 572 

do. rough 447 

do. watery fluid dribbling from 628 

Head, dashed recklessly on the floor 509 

do. directed toward region of the heart , . . 545 

do. drooping of 434 

do. pressed forcibly against a wall 601 

do. thrust forward 444 

do. turned toward liver 613 

Heart, deadened sound on applying the ear over 551 

do. increased force of the beating of 545 

Horns, chilliness of. 533, 606 

do. heat about the base of 551, 613, 628 

do. tearing up ground with 607 

do. trying to injure every thing with 607 

Jaw, (lower) enlargement at the angle of. 581 

Jaws, angle of, gradual enlargement at 583 

do. compressed 434 

Jugular veins engorged 544, 545 

do. do. undulating or " wavy " motion on 545 

Kidneys, pressure over region of, causes pain 533 

Legs, cold 444, 447, 601 

do. fore ones, sudden nervous action of muscles 606 

do. do. trembling 455 

do. do. wide apart 444, 455 

do. tremulous 480 

Lie down, refusal to 444, 455 

Liver, fullness in region of 613 

Milk, quantity diminished 601 

Motion, gives distress 544 

Mouth, dry 447 

do. foaming at 509, 654 

do. hot and clammy 444, 509 

do. hot and feverish 551, 613 

do. increased flow of saliva from 454, 628 

do. lining membrane of, pale and watery 506 

do. lining of, very red 607 

do. do. yellow 613 

Muscles, nervous and spasmodic twitches of 509 

Muzzle, dry 509, 533 



A GUIDE TO DIAGNOSIS. 765 

PAGES 

Neck, stiff. 449 

Nervous action 641 

Nose, glairy discharge from 447 

do. lining of, pale and watery 506 

do. do. reddened 447, 545, 607 

do. thrust forward 440 

Nostrils, food returned by the 452 

do. matter from , 439 

Pain, severe and constant, in the bowels 482 

do. do. upon pressing breast-bone 545 

Pawing 607 

Perspiration, profuse, following a fit 601 

Pulse, feeble and oppressed 544 

do. increased force 545, 613 

do. jerking 606 

do. quick 444, 447, 454 

do. do. yet small 641 

do. violent, abrupt, and strong 551 

Restlessness 489 

Respiration, labored 444 

Ribs, pressure between, gives great pain 455 

Rigors, followed by acute inflammatory fever 545 

Rumination, ceased 480, 482, 545, 551, 613, 649 

Separation frOni the herd 602 

Shivering fits , 444, 628 

do. followed by inflammatory fever 545 

Skin, tight and hard 572 

do. yellow 619 

do. watery bladders formed on 628 

« Slobbering " 628 

Snorting 447 

Spasms «. 641 

Spinal column curved in downward direction 506 

Staggering 434, 480, 649 

Stiffness 434, 654 

Stomach, distended with gas 454 

Suffocation 439 

Surface of the body chilly 533, 606 

Swallowing, loss of power of 452, 607 

Tears, running down the face 454, 558 

Teeth, grating of. 509, 601 

Thinness 450 



766 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

PAGES 

Thirst, intense , 607, 619 

do. slight 613 

Throat, glands of, enlarged 449, 659 

do. soreness of 447 

do. swollen and tender 440 

Tongue, eruptions on 464 

do. much swollen 454, 628 

do. slightly coated 509 

do. swollen and coated with brown fur , . . 641 

do. do. and black 654 

Trembling 434, 641 

Tremblings and twitchings, violent 601 

Tumors on various parts of the body, giving, when pressed, a 

crackling sound 449 

Udder, swollen, hot, and tender 509, 517 

Urine, black 535 

do. bloody 434, 531 

do. difficulty in passing 533 

do. flow of, suddenly arrested, with trembling of hind legs. . . 535 

do. high-colored 641 

do. reddened 533 

do. scanty and dark-colored 628 

do. yellow 619 

Walking, crackling noise heard while 572 

do. with stiffened joints 572 

Wasting away 450 

Wind, from the anus 489 



DISEASES OF SHEEP. 

Anus, inside of, turned yellow 710 

Bloated appearance of body 716 

Breathing, quickened 715 

Cough 715 

Eyelids, kept closed 714 

Eyes, tears from lower corner of. 714 

do. whites of, reddened 714 

do. do. turned yellow 710 

Flanks, heaving at 715 

Head, frequent shaking of 710 



A GUIDE TO DIAGNOSIS. 767 

PAGES 

Head, pressed against fence or post 710 

do. purple spots on 726 

Lameness, in fore or hind legs 712 

Lazy movements, with nose almost on the ground 710 

Legs, hot, tender, and swollen, with offensive discharge from .... 712 

Light, painful to the eyes 714 

Nose, discharge from 715 

do. lining of, turned yellow 710 

Panting ' 715 

Skin, turned yellow 710 

Sneezing 715 

Teeth, grating of. 710 

Thighs, insides of, turned yellow 710 



DISEASES OF SWINE. 

Appetite, loss of 724 

Breathing, quick and difficult 724 

do. very difficult 722 

Cough 724 

do. distressing 722 

Diarrhea, copious 726 

Flesh, rapid wasting of. 724 

Food, refusal of. 726 

Mouth, frothing at, as if choking 722 

Neck, stiffness of. 722 

Nose, purple spots on • 726 

do. stretched forward 722 

Shivering fits 724 

Staggering 726 

Swallowing, very difficult 722 

Thirst, great • • 726 

Throat, swollen 722 

Vomiting '2b 

Walking, falling down in 726 

Weakness, great 726 

























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TABLES OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 



APOTHECARIES' WEIGHTS. 

20 grains make one scruple, marked 9j. 

3 scruples do. drachm, do 3j. 

8 drachms do. ounce, do gj. 

12 ounces do. pound, do Ibj. 



LIQUID MEASURES. 

60 drops make one drachm, marked ^j. 

8 drachms do. ounce, do §j. 

20 ounces do. pint, do Oj. 

8 pints do. gallon, do Cong. 



ORDINARY MODES OP MEASURING LIQUIDS. 

A tea-spoonful of liquid equals 60 drops, or one drachm. 
A table-spoonful of do. \ ounce, ox four drachms. 

A dessert-spoonful of do. 180 drops, ox three drachms. 
A wine- glassful of do. 1-| ounces. 



The doses vary in quantity in different animals. The amount to 
be given in any case will be found clearly stated in the treatment of 
each disease, whether of horses, cattle, sheep, or hogs. 
(768) 



GLOSSARY 



MEDICAL AND SCIENTIFIC TERMS. 



Abnormal — Irregular. 

Absorbents — Medicines used for absorbing ; also the vessels of the 

body which suck up. 
Acute — Sharp, severe. 
Adipose — Fatty. 
Adynamic — Debilitated. 
Alae — Wings. 

Alteratives — Medicines which change a disease for the better. 
Anasarca — Dropsy of cellular membrane. 
Anasarcous — Dropsical. 
Anaemia — Bloodlessness. 

Antiseptics — Medicines opposed to putrefaction. 
Antispasmodics — Remedies opposed to spasms or convulsions. 
Antiphlogistic — Opposed to inflammation. 
Aperients — Medicines which open the bowels gently. 
Aqueous — Watery. 
Ascites — Dropsy of the belly. 
Ataxic — Disordered. 

Auscultation — Examination by sounding and listening. 
Autopsy — Post-mortem examination. 

Bifurcation — Division into two branches. 

Bolus — A large pill. 

Buccal Membrane — The lining of the mouth. 

Canthus — Corner of the eye. 
Capsule — Shell or case. 

49 ? ( 769 ) 



770 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Carbonaceous — Containing carbon. 

CARMlNATiVES^Medicines which relieve pain by expelling wind from 

the bowels. 
Cartilaginous — Composed of cartilage. 
Cathartic — Loosening. 
Cellular — Cell-like. 
Cerebellum — The brain. 
Cerebrum — The brain. 
Chancrous — Cancerous. 
Clinical — Relating to individual practice. 
Coma — Stupor. 
Comatose — Stupefied 
Conjunctival Membrane — The membrane which lines the eyelids 

and covers the eyeball. 
Cornea — Transparent coat of the eye. 
Cranial — Pertaining to the skull. 
Cranium — Skull. 
Crucial — Shaped like a cross. 

Decarbonize — To purify by air. 

Diagnosis — The art of telling the nature of diseases. 

Diaphoretics — Medicines which promote perspiration. 

Diathesis — Predisposition to certain diseases. 

Dietetics — Regulation of diet. 

Diuretics — Medicines which increase the flow of urine. 

Duct — Canal. 

Dynamic — Relating to the vital forces. 

Emollients — Substances used to reduce inflammations. 
Emphysema — Distention by gas or wind of certain portions of the 

body. 
Emunctories — Organs which carry off waste matters. 
Encephalon — The brain. 
Enema — Injection. 

Enzootic — Endemic diseases among animals. 
Epizootic — Epidemic among animals. 
Equilibrium — Balance. 
Equine — Relating to the horse. 
Etiology — The doctrine of the causes of disorders. 
Excrementitious — Useless. 

Excretory — Relating to vessels which throw off useless matter. 
Extravasation — Escape of a fluid of the body from its vessel into 

surrounding parts. 



GLOSSARY OF MEDICAL AND SCIENTIFIC TERMS. 771 

Exudation — Oozing through a membrane. 

Fauces — The throat. 
Fleam — Used in bleeding. 

Graminivorous— Feeding on grass. 

Hematosine — The red coloring matter of the blood. 

Hemorrhage — Bleeding. 

Hippiatric — Relating to diseases of the horse. 

Histology — General anatomy. 

Hydrocephalus — Water in the head. 

Hygiene — Preservation of health. 

Ichorous — Humory. 
Idiopathic — Primary affections. 
Idiosyncrasy — Peculiarity of constitution. 
Indurated — Hardened. 
Inguinal — Belonging to the groin. 
Intercostal — Between the ribs. 
Inunction — The act of rubbing in. 

Lachrymal Glands — Those which secrete tears. 

Lancinating — " Shooting." 

Laxatives — Loosening medicines. 

Lesion — Disorder. 

Ligament — The substance which joins bones together. 

Mammae — Breasts. 
Masseters — Muscles of the jaws. 
Morbid — Diseased. 
Morbific — Producing disease. 

Navicular — One of the bones of the foot. 
Neuro-pathology — The nervous system in disease. 
Nodulous — Like a knot. 
Nosology — Classification of diseases. 

(Edematous — Swollen. 
•"Opaque — Not transparent. 
Os calcis — Bone of the heel. 
Osseous — Bony. 
Ovoid — In form of an egg. 



772 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 

Palatine — Relating to the palate. 

Panzootic — An epidemic affecting animals generally. 

Parasite — An animal which lives on another. 

Parotid — Largest salivary gland. 

Pathology — The study of the body in disease. 

Pedicle — Narrow part of a tumor. 

Petechial — Resembling flea-bites. 

Phthisis — Wasting away. 

Pituitary Membrane — Lining of the nostrils. 

Pseudo-membranous — Relating to false membranes. 

Pus — Matter. 

Pylorus — Entrance into intestines. 

Rale — A watery sound heard in sounding the chest in some diseases. 

Sanative — Health-giving. 

Schneiderian Membrane — The lining of the nostrils. 

Sebaceous — Of the nature of suet. 

Sedatives — Medicines which produce sleep. 

Serous — -Watery. 

Serum — Watery part of the blood. 

Solvent — That which dissolves. 

Sporadic — Scattered. 

Submaxillary — Beneath the jaw. 

Sudamina — Small eruptions. 

Supra-renal — Above the kidney. 

Thoracic — Relating to the chest. 

Thyroid — Shaped like a folding door. 

Tonics — Medicines which give tone and strength to the body. 

Tubercular — Relating to tumors in the structure of an organ. 

Tumefaction — Swelling. 

Turbinated Bones — Bones of the nose shaped like a top. 

Turgescence — Great amount of humors in any part. 

Vascular — Full of blood-vessels. 

Ventricle — Cavity. 

Virus — Poison. 

Vis a pronte — Force from the front, 

Vis a tergo — Force of propulsion. 

Viscous — Sticky. 

Voice-box — Larynx. 




INDEX. 



EQUINE DEPARTMENT. 



A PAGES 

Abdominal cavity, wounds of. 206 

Abscess within the substance of the 

brain 58 

Absorbents, disease of. 156 

Abstraction of blood 268 

Acute cough 99 

Acute disease of the laminae of the 

foot 350 

Acute disease of the eye 46 

Acute rheumatism 333 

Acute and general disease of the 
brain, known as encephali- 
tis 76 

Advantages of in-and-in breeding. 315 

Affections, typhoid 110 

Age of horse, as known by his teeth. 127 

Albuminous urine 235 

Amaurosis 40 

Amputations 260 

Amputation of the penis 261 

Anaemia 397 

Analysis of the blood in glanders. 25 

Anatomy of the lungs 90 

Anatomy and physiology, impor- 
tance of studying 315 

Anatomy of the tail 394 

Animals become parents too early. 312 

Apoplexy, cerebral 64 

Apoplexy of the spine 65 

Apoplexy of the spleen 206 

Artereotomy 268 

Ascites, or abdominal dropsy 199 



PAGES 

Atrophy, or wasting of muscles in 
the region of the shoulder- 
blade 324 

B 

Back, galled 400 

Big head and big jaw 362 

Bladder, inflammation of. 224 

do. stone in 224 

do. rupture of 232 

Bleeding, various modes of. 268 

Blistering .■ 263 

Bloody urine 237 

Blood, the quantity found in the 

body 402 

Blood, its transfusion 404 

Bog spavin 323 

Bots, stomachic and hemorrhoidal.. 164 

Bowed legs 381 

Brain, abscess within its substance. 58 

do. dropsy of. 60 

do. acute disease of. 76 

Breeding, and the principles of the 

same 302 

do. in-and-in 307 

Brief exposition of the function of 

the lungs 88 

Bronchocele 103 

C 

Capped hock 322 

Case of laryngitis in Patchen colt.. 94 
(773) 



774 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



PAGES 

Case of croup 97 

Case of pleurisy and dropsy of the 

chest 120 

Case of meteorization 186 

Casting, mode of 241 

Castration, different methods of.... 243 

Cataract 45 

Catarrh, epizootic 106 

Causes of disease 19 

Cerebral hemorrhage 64 

Chabert on polypus 102 

Cholera, hog 

Chorea, equine 81 

Chronic rheumatism 336 

Circulation of the heart 401 

do. experiments on its ra- 
pidity 403 

Colic, flatulent 189 

do. spasmodic... 193 

do. treated by inhalation 195 

Composition of the blood of a 

healthy horse 25 

Composition of the blood glandered 25 

Condition, out of 299 

Congenital glanders 24 

Contagiousness of glanders..... 151 

do. of strangles 413 

Contraction of the hoof 344 

Copeman on treatment of inflam- 
mation 47 

Copeman on meningitis 80 

Cornea, opacity of..... 44 

Corns 384 

Cough, in its chronic and acute 

stage 99 

Croup, (cynanche trachealis) 95 

Curry-comb, use and abuse of. 397 

Curbs 319 

Curing diseases, the best method of. 26 
Curvation and disease of the spine. 361 
Cystitis , 224 

D 
Death of a horse from ruptured 

stomach 179 

Dentition .' 127 

Diabetes 229 

Diet ,133 

do. changes in, recommended 141 



PAGES 

Digestive organs, disease of 160 

Disease, causes of. 19 

do. hereditary causes of. 20 

do. cases of 26 

do. of the urinary organs 223 

Diseases of the skin and sub-tis- 
sues 274 

Dislocation of the stifle 343 

Division of the flexor tendons 259 

Docking of the tail 395 

Dropsy of the brain 60 

do. of the abdomen 199 

Dropsical limbs 287 

Dun, F. on causes of hereditary 

disease 20 

E 

Education, importance of. 32, 

Elbow tumor 321 

Encephalitis 76 

Enteritis 201 

Enlargement of the thyroid glands. 103 

Epilepsy 66 \ 

Epiglottis, spasm of. 90 

Epizootic catarrh 106 

Equine chorea, or stringhalt 81 

Experiments by M. Magendie on 
the brain and nervous sys- 
tem 83 

Experiments on the itch insect 277 

Eye, acute disease of. 46 

do. worm within 45 

do. treatment of inflammation 

(Copeman on) 47 

Eyelids, foreign bodies within 44 

F 

Farcy 156 

Fever, typhus 110 

Films, or specks on the eye 44 

Firing 262 

Fistulous withers 295 

Fits, epileptic G6 

do. hereditary origin of 67 

Flatulent colic 189 

Flexor tendons, division of. 259 

Food, effects of various kinds 137 

do. quality required 138 

Foot, management of, in the stable. 409 



INDEX. 



775 



PAGES 

Foreign bodies within the eyelids.. 44 

Founder, bleeding for the same 37 

Fracture of the pelvis 376 

Functional disease of the liver 211 

Function of the pancreas 216 

Fundament, falling of. 387 

G 

Galled back 400 

Gamgee on splenic apoplexy 206 

Gastritis 178 

Giddiness, or vertigo 74 

Glands, thryoid, enlargement of... 103 

Glanders 147 

do. congenital 24 

do. analysis of the blood 25 

do. can be communicated to • 

man 147 

do. contagiousness of 151 

do. why the disease is so 

called 155 

Glass eye 40 

Glottis, spasm of 90 

Gohier on polypus 103 

Goiter 103 

Gorged or over-distended stomach.. 182 

Grease 283 

do. nature of. ?. 23 

do. transmission of from horse 

to man .* 285 

Gutta serena 40 

H 

Hematuria 237 

Heart, its .circulation 401 

Heaves 125 

Heels, disease of 283 

Hemorrhage, cerebral 64 

do.- spinal 65 

Hemorrhoidal bots 164 

Hemorrhoids, or piles 391 

Hereditary origin of epileptic fits. 66 

do. causes of disease 20 

Herpes 299 

Hide-bound 347 

Hock, capped 322 

Hoof, contraction of. 344 

Hoof-bound 347 

Horses, lice on 282 



PAGES 

Horse's foot, management of, in the 

stable 409 

Hydrocephalus 60 

I 

Importance of ventilating stables, 
in view of preventing dis- 
eases of the lungs 86 

In-and-in breeding 307 

Inflammation, nature of 38 

do. its nature and treat- 
ment 35 

do. treatment of. 47 

do. of the lungs 114 

do. of the pericardium.. 123 

do. of the stomach 178 

do. of the peritoneum... 197 

do. of the intestines 201 

do. of the bladder 224 

do. of the kidneys 223 

Inflammatory laryngitis 92 

Influenza, or epizootic catarrh 106 

do. followed by acute dis- 
ease of the brain 108 

Inhalation, colic treated by the 

Same 195 

Intestines, strangulation of. 205 

Intestinal canal, parasites infest- 
ing the 217 

Iodine, Morton on 105 

Itch 274 

do. insect, experiments on 277 

K 

Kidneys, inflammation of 223 

Knees, sprung 381 

L 

Lameness from various causes 319 

do. navicular 330 

do. remarks on 385 

Laminitis 350 

Lampas 160 

Laryngitis, suppurative and in- 
flammatory 92 

Leblanc, M., on tracheotomy 100 

Legs, bowed 381 

do. swelled 287 

Lice on horses 282 



776 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



PAGES 

Limbs, dropsical 287 

Lithotomy, method of performing... 252 

Liver, functional disease of 211 

Locked-jaw 70 

Lungs, anatomy of 90 

do. function of 88 

do. inflammation of 114 

M 
Magendie's experiments on ani- 
mals 83 

Malignant typhus 113 

Management of the horse's foot in 

the stable 409 

Mange 274 

Meningitis, Copeman on 80 

Meteorization of the intestines 186 

Morton on iodine 105 

N 

Navicular lameness 330 

Navicularthrites 341 

Nephrites 223 

Neurotomy, mode of operating 256 

Nicking 262 

do. the tail .*.... 392 

Niti'ate of potass, its uses 335 

Nostrils, polypus within 101 

O 
Objections to in-and-in breeding 

answered 314 

(Esophagotomy 255 

(Estrus equi 171 

(Estrus, hemorrhoidalis 173 

Opacity of the cornea 44 

Operations, surgical 239 

Ophthalmia 46 

do. purulent 55 

do. specific 56 

Osteo porosis, known as big head 

and big jaw 362 

Out of condition 299 

P 

Pancreas and its function 216 

Paraplegia 65 

Parasites infesting the intestinal 

canal 217 



PAGES 

Patchen colt, laryngitis, case of... 94 

Pelvis, fracture of. 376 

Penis, amputation of. 261 

Peritonitis 197 

Pericarditis 123 

do. Woodger on 124 

Peritoneum, inflammation of 197 

Periosteotomy 258 

Phlebotomy 270 

Piles, or hemorrhoids 391 

Pleurisy 119 

do. and dropsy of the chest, 

case of. 120 

Pleurodynia, painful affection of *" 
the pleura and muscles of 

the chest 332 

Poll-evil 292 

Pneumonia 114 

Polypus within the nostrils 101 

do. Chaberton 102 

do. Gohier on 103 

Pricking the tail 392 

Prolapsus ani (falling of the fun- 
dament) 387 

Prurigo 291 

Pure water needed by horses and 

cattle 398 

Purulent ophthalmia 55 

* Q 
Quantity of blood in a horse's body. 402 
Quarter crack 352 

R 

Remarks on veterinary science 19 

Remedy for tape-worm 221 

Retention of urine 229 

Rheumatism, acute 333 

do. chronic 336 

Ring-bone 337 

Ring-worm 291 

Roaring 100 

Rowelling 266 

Rupture of the bladder 232 

do. of the stomach 178 

S 

Saliva, amount of secretion 163 

Salivation, spontaneous slavering.. 162 



INDEX. 



777 



PAGES 

Sand crack 352 

Scabies 276 

Scarlatina 288 

Scratches 283 

Scrofula, its predisposition 24 

Skin, diseases of 278 

do. warts on 295 

Slinging, mode of. 242 

Spasm of the muscles of the glottis 

and epiglottis 90 

Spasmodic colic 193 

Spavin 370 

do. bog 323 

Specific ophthalmia 56 

Spinal hemorrhage 65 

Spine, disease and curvature of.... 361 

Splent 378 

Splenic apoplexy.., 206 

Sprung knees 381 

Stables, importance of ventilating. 86 

Staggers, Coleman on 63 

Stifle out, dislocation of the stifle- 
bone 343 

Stomachic bots 164 

Stomach, gorged 182 

do. inflammation of 178 

do. rupture of. 178 

do. staggers 62 

Stone in the bladder 224 

Stringhalt 81 

St. Vitus'sdance 81 

Strangles 411 

do. contagiousness of. 413 

Strangulation of the intestines 205 

Suppurative laryngitis 92 

Suppression of urine 226 

Surgical operations 239 

Surfeit 286 

Sweeny 324 

Swelled legs 287 

T 

Tail, anatomy of 394 

do. docking of. 395 

do. nicking 392 

Tape-worm, remedy for 221 

Temporary teeth, remarks on 128 



PAGES 

Tetanus 70 

Teeth, age of horse as shown by the 127 

The principles of breeding 304 

Thorough-pin 328 

Toe sand-crack 354 

Trachealis, cynanche 95 

Tracheotomy 254 

do. Leblanc on 100 

Transfusion of blood 404 

Tumor of the elbow 321 

Twitch, use of 239 

Typhus, or typhoid affections 110 

do. malignant 113 

Tympanitis 188 

U 

Urinary organs, disease of 223 

Urination, profuse 229 

Urine, suppression of 226 

do. retention of 229 

do. albuminous 235 

do. bloody 237 

Use and abuse of the curry-comb.. 397 

V 

Vapor bath 114 

Varix, or bog spavin 323 

Ventilation, importance of. 86 

Vertigo 74 

Veterinary science, remarks on.... 19 
do. science, the relation it 
bears to social sci- 
ence 27 

do. science, how to inaugu- 
rate it 30 

do. education, importance 

of 32 

W 

Warts on the skin 295 

Water, necessity of its purity 398 

Withers, fistulous 295 

Woodger on pericarditis 124 

Worms 217 

Worm within the eye 45 

Wounds penetrating the abdominal 

cavity 206 



778 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



BOVINE DEPARTMENT. 



A PAGES 

Abortion in cows 522 

Abscess at the angle of the jaw.... 583 

After-birth, removal of. 497 

Anthrax 648 

Aphthae 464 

Apoplexy, pulmonary 453 

B 

Bile, its secretion and uses 612 

Bladder, description of. 530 

do. calculi within 534 

Black water 535 

Black leg 648 

do. tongue 654 

Bloat 468 

Bone disorder 576 

Bones, their mechanism, structure, 

and composition 580 

do. fracture of. 655 

do. ulceration of. 585 

Bowels, inflammation of 480 

do. spasm of 490 

do. constipation of. 491 

Brain, inflammation of. 600 

Bronchitis 442 

Bronchial tubes, description of 442 

Bronchocele 659 

C 
Cachexia ossafragia (the cripple).. 568 

Calculi in the bladder 534 

Calves, diarrhea in 658 

Cancer of the eye 560 

Caries, or ulceration of bones 585 

Castration 631 

Catarrh, common 447 

do. epizootic 449 

Cattle, dentition of 475 

do. plague, remarks on 668 

do. do. in Kentucky '... 433 

Cerebral parasites 601 

Chapped teats and chafed udder... 520 

Cheap fodder for cows 648 

Chronic diarrhea 484 

Cleansing, or removal of the after- 
birth 497 



PAGES 

Coats of the eye 554 

Colic, flatulent 489 

Constipation of the bowels 491 

Constriction at the neck of the 

uterus 503 

Consumption : 450 

Contagious pleuro-pneumonia 419 

Cords in young calves 644 

Cows, abortion in 522 

do. spaying of. 661 

Cracks in the heels 629 

Croup 439 

Cud, loss of. 478 

D 

Dentition of cattle 475 

do. synopsis 477 

Description of the larynx 441 

do. of bronchial tubes 442 

do. of the pharynx 453 

do. of the pleura 455 

do. of oesophagus 457 

do. of the stomach 465 

do. of the urinary sys- 
tem 529 

do. of the heart 540 

do. of the eye 533 

do. of the liver 611 

Dilatation of the heart 544 

do. of the jaw-bones 581 

Diarrhea 483 

do. chronic 484 

do. in calves 658 

Diseases of the generative oi'gans... 503 
do. of the eye and its mem- 
branes 553 

do. of the bones 568 

do. of the brain 600 

do. of the liver 611 

do. of the skin 620 

do. of the udder, teats, etc.... 517 

do. of the urinary organs 529 

Diseased thymus gland 643 

Disorder of bone 576 

Distension of the rumen with food. 471 
Dropsy of the womb 506 



INDEX. 



779 



E PAGES 

Embryotomy 503 

Endocarditis 551 

Enteritis 480 

Enzootic milk-sickness, or trem- 
bles 635 

Epizootic catarrh 449 

do. aphthae 464 

Eruption, vesicular 628 

Exanthemata, or eruptive fever... 620 

Exostosis 584 

Eye, cancer of 561 

do. coats of. 554 

do. diseases of. 553 

do. foreign bodies in 559 

do. humors of. 553 

do. inflammation of 558 

do. muscles of. 555 

F 

Falling of the womb. 513 

Fever, puerperal 507 

do. eruptive 620 

Flatulent colic 489 

Food, ingestion of. 466 

Foreign bodies in the gullet 457 

Foul in the foot 623 

Fractured bones 655 

G 

Gadflies 625 

Gastro-intestinal inflammation 472 

Generative organs, diseases of 503 

Gullet, foreign bodies in 457 

Gut-tie 485 

H 

Hsematuria 531 

Hair of cattle as an epidemic ap- 
pendage 627 

Heart, description of. 540 

do. " its function and diseases.... 543 

do. dilatation of. 544 

do. hypertrophy of. 550 

Heels, cracks in 629 

Hemorrhage, uterine 500 

Hernia, orruptures 562 

do. inguinal 563 

do. strangulated 563 

do. ventral 564 



PAGES 

Horn-ail 538 

Hoose, or common catarrh 447 

Hoven 453 

Humor of the eye 553 

Hydatids 614 

Hydrophobia 607 

I 

Improved method of milking 642 

do. method of spaying 666 

Inflammation of the lungs 443 

do. gastro-intestinal 472 

do. of the bowels 480 

do. of the eye 558 

do. of the brain and its 

membranes 600 

do. of the liver 613 

do. of the udder 517 

Inflammatory affection of the hind 
limbs after calv- 
ing 527 

do. affection of the kid- 
neys 533 

Internal ruptures in oxen 488 

Invagination of intestines 481 

Inversion of the vagina 521 

J 
Jaundice 617 

Jaw-bones, dilatation of. 581 

Jaw, abscess at its angle 583 

K 

Kentucky, cattle plague in 433 

Kidneys, inflammation of 533 

L 

Labor, signs of. ".. 492 

do. natural 492 

do. unnatural 493 

Laceration of the vagina 522 

do of the oesophagus 459 

Laryngitis 439 

Larynx, description of. 441 

Light in barns, necessity of 657 

Liver, description of. 611 

do. inflammation of. 613 

Loss of cud 478 

Lungs, inflammation of 443 



780 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



M PAGES 

Maminites 517 

Mange 623 

Milking, improved method of. 642 

Milk sickness 635 

Muscles of the eye and eyelids 555 

N 
Natural labor 492 



(Esophagus, description of. 457 

do. laceration of. 459 

(Esophagotomy, operation of 458 

Ophthalmia 558 

Origin of pleuro-pneumonia in 

Massachusetts 419 

Oxen, internal ruptures in 488 

P 

Palsy, shaking 606 

Parasites, cerebral 601 

Parturition 492 

Pemphigus, or vesicular eruption.. 628 

Pericarditis 545 

Pericardium and its diseases 545 

Pharyngitis, or sore throat 452 

Pharynx, description of. 453 

Plague, cattle 668 

Pleura, description of 455 

Pleurisy 455 

Pleuro-pneumonia, contagious 419 

do. its introduction 

into South 

Africa 427 

Pneumonia , 443 

Pregnancy, treatment of cows dur- 
ing 504 

do. symptoms of. 506 

Puerperal fever 507 

Pulmonary apoplexy 453 

R 

Red water 536 

Rinderpest 419 

Rumen, distension of with food.... 471 

Rumination, or remastication 466 

do. suspension of. 478 



S PAGES 

Secretion of ile, bits uses, etc 612 

Shaking palsy 606 

Signs of labor 492 

Sore throat 452 

Spasm of the bowels 490 

Spaying cows 661 

do. improved method 666 

Specific or periodic ophthalmia 559 

Sprains or strains 659 

Steamed and cooked food for 

stock 645 

Stomach, description of 465 

Stricture in cows' teats 519 

Sturdy, or cerebral parasites 601 

Sympathy and its relations 585 

Symptoms of pregnancy 506 

Synopsis of dentition 477 

Suspended rumination 478 

T 
Tail-ail 597 

Teats, stricture in 519 

do. obstruction in , 519 

do. tumors in 520 

do. injuries to 520 

do. sore 520 

do. chapped 520 

Throat, sore 452 

Thrush, or sore mouth 464 

Thymus gland, disease of 643 

Tongue, black 654 

Treatment of cows during preg- 
nancy 504 

Trembles 635 

Triplets, birth of 500 

Tympanitis 468 

Twins, birth of 500 

U 

Udder, inflammation of 517 

Unnatural labor 493 

Ureters 530 

Urinary calculi 534 

do. organs, diseases of 529 

do. system, description of. 529 

Uterine hemorrhage 500 

Uterus, constriction of. 503 



INDEX. 



781 



V PAGES 

Vagina, inversion of 521 

do. laceration of. 522 

W 

Warts 624 

Womb, dropsy of 506 



PAGES 

Womb, falling of 513 

Y 

Yellows, or jaundice 617 

Yoke-galls 626 



SHEEP AND SWINE. 



A PAGES 

Arnica, fluid extract of 748 

Aconite, do. do. 754 

B 

Bakewell on sheep 707 

Bayberry, fluid extract of 751 

Bjlly, windy distention of, in sheep 716 

Blankets for sheep 711 

Black snakeroot, fluid extract of... 749 

Black pepper, do. do 752 

Bloodroot, do. do 752 

Bowels, constipation of, in sheep... 716 

Breeding of sheep 707 

Buchu, fluid extract of. 749 

C 

Catarrh, in sheep 715 

Chamomile, fluid extract of. 748 

Cholera, hog 725 

do. do. Sutton on 727 

do. do. Dadd's remedy for.... 735 

Colchicum, fluid extract of. 750 

Constipation of bowels in sheep... 716 

Cubebs, fluid extract of 752 

Culver's root, do 751 

D 

Dadd's remedy for hog cholera 735 

Diagnosis, guide to 755 

do. Equine Department 756 

do. Bovine do. 762 

Diarrhea in sheep 716 

Diseases of sheep 706 

do. of swine 717 

Dysentery in sheep - 716 



E PAGES 

Effects of impure air on swine 719 

Extracts, fluid, list of. 747 

Eye, inflammation of, in sheep 714 

F 

Foot-rot in sheep 712 

Fluid extracts, list of 747 

G 

Giddiness in sheep 711 

Ginger, fluid extract of 753 

Golden seal, do 750 

Grubs in the nostrils of sheep 713 

Guide to diagnosis 755 

H 

Hemorrhage, remedy for 754 

Hernia, or rupture, of swine 723 

Hog cholera 725 

Hops, fluid extract of 750 

Hyposulphite of soda 754 

I 

Impure air, effects of on swine 719 

Indian hemp, fluid extract of. 749 

Inflammation of lungs in swine... 724 

Inflammation of the eye in sheep.. 714 

do. of lungs do. .. 715 

Intestinal worms in swine 724 

J 

Jackets for sheep 711 

L 

Labor, tedious, remedy for 753 

Liver of sheep, hydatids in 709 



782 



DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



PAGES 

Liver of sheep, disease of 710 

Lobelia, fluid extract of 751 

Lungs of sheep, inflammation of... 715 
do of swine, do. ... 724 

M 

Male fern, fluid extract of. 748 

Matico, do. do 752 

Mandrake, do. do 752 

Measles in pork.. 721 

N 
Nostrils of sheep, grubs in.. 713 

P 

Pleurisy root, fluid extract of....... 748 

Pneumonia in swine 724 

Poke-root, fluid extract of. 751 

Poppy-heads, do. do 751 

Pork, measles in 721 

Prince's pine, fluid extract of. 749 

Q 

Quinsy in swine 723 

R 

Rot in sheep 709 

Rupture of swine 723 

S 
Sassafras, fluid extract of. 751 



PAGES 

Sheep, diseases of. 706 

do. improvement of. 706 

do. Bakewell's manner of 

breeding 707 

Soda, hyposulphite of. 754 

Sutton on hog cholera 727 

^wine, diseases of. 717 

do. effects of impure air on 719 

T 

Tedious labor, remedy for 753 

Ticks in sheep 714 

Trichina spiralis 736 

do. do. Brown on 743 

Tympanites in sheep 716 

, V 

Valerian, fluid extract of 753 

Vertigo in sheep 711 

W 

Witch-hazel, fluid extract of. 750 

Worms in swine 724 

Wormwood, fluid extract of 748 

Wounds, remedy for 753 

T 

Yellows in sheep 710 

Yellow jessamine, fluid extract of.. 750 




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